UNION COUNTY, N.C. — With all 52 precincts reporting, Union County voters have approved $134,405,000 in school bonds.
"We need this bond because we have aging facilities," Tahira Stalberte, Assistant Superintendent for Communications and Community Relations for Union County Public Schools, previously told WCNC Charlotte's Austin Walker. "That will be for two replacement schools, East Elementary and Forest Hills High School.”
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Union County Public Schools leaders push for $134 million bond proposal
The bonds are intended to build on prior investments so the district can improve facilities for students.
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UCPS said East Elementary School's original building is 70 years old, while Forest Hills High School's current building is 60 years old.
The East Elementary School building will be demolished, and the new two-story facility will be built on the same property. The new Forest Hills High School building will be a two-story facility as well.
Union County Public Schools Superintendent Andrew Houlihan said construction is to begin in the "imminent future" and the goal is to have both projects finished by 2026.
Students will remain in their current buildings while construction is underway, and Houlihan said they don't expect any disturbances to learning. Once the new schools are built and safe to occupy, the students will move to the new buildings and the old buildings will be demolished.
"No matter what zip code you live in, you deserve to have a great, high-quality education in a wonderful learning environment," Houlihan said.
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