MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
Voters in Newton USD 373 have approved a $50 million school bond aimed at addressing aging infrastructure and safety improvements across the district.
Unofficial results show the bond passed with 2,197 votes in favor and 1,219 votes opposed.
District officials said the bond focuses primarily on what they describe as “end-of-life issues,” including replacing aging roofing systems and heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment in several school buildings.
The measure also includes safety and security upgrades throughout the district. Plans call for strengthening existing storm shelters at elementary schools and constructing new multi-use spaces designed to serve as storm shelters during severe weather.
Those new spaces are planned for Cooper Early Education Center, Chisholm Middle School and Newton High School.
District officials said the new facilities will be used for school activities and programs but will also function as storm shelters during severe weather events.