$20M Clarkston school bond includes remodeling plan, iPads for students WITH VIDEO

By MONICA DRAKE monica.drake@oakpress.com; Twitter: @monica_adele

Students wait in the lunch line at Clarkston High School recently. The Clarkston School District is the subject of a $20 million bond issue that raises annual taxes by 1 mill per year for Clarkston residents. The Oakland Press/TIM THOMPSON

Residents within the Clarkston School District will have a decision to make on Tuesday, May 8 whether to support the $20 million school bond proposal.

The bond would be used for remodeling, equipping and furnishing school buildings; acquiring and installing educational technology in school buildings; and developing and improving athletic facilities and sites.

Every student and teacher within the school district would have access to a handheld technology device, such as an iPad, according to administration.

The current enrollment of the school district is about 8,100 students. The bond series would provide the district with $10 million in 2012 and $5 million each in 2016 and 2020.

Supporters, who call themselves Clarkston Kids First, stressed that this bond will allow the school district to catch up with surrounding districts.

Clarkston Kids First member Aimee Baker, mother of a fifth-grader and a ninth-grader, said, Were not trying to lead the way. Were just trying to catch up.

George White, former principal of Pine Knob Elementary and former Clarkston High School teacher, said, Were trying to provide an opportunity for our kids to be competitive when they leave Clarkston Schools and go into the work force so they have similar skills and a similar background to move forward.

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$20M Clarkston school bond includes remodeling plan, iPads for students WITH VIDEO