District 145 Bond Issue Preview
Aelyn Thompson
News Editor -- Multimedia Coordinator
District 145 is depending on taxpayers this Nov. 4 to pass the latest bond issue that would bring 15.5 million dollars of upgrades benefitting the students of Waverly.
Dr. Bill Heimann is excited about the developments and all the improvements the district could receive.
“The three categories we focused on in the bond issue are technology, improvement to the infrastructure, and safety and security,” Heimann said.
On the issue of technology, the board is looking at expanding the capacity of the fiber network, upgrade wireless so there is stronger signal in all education areas and give classrooms the equipment for more digital interaction.
“Right now, if we wanted to equip the students with laptops or iPads, we couldn’t, since our network is so limited,” Heimann said. “Our network is the first thing we’re looking at updating.”
Along with technology for student use, security in the district is getting a facelift.
Upgraded cameras, controlled access and possible identification cads will allow a safer environment for students and staff within school grounds.
“We are looking at the same system that the middle school has, but of course it will all come down to cost and to see how to utilize the funding best,” Heimann said.
Infrastructure of district buildings that are in dire need of attention, such as the 1974 portion of Eagle Elementary and the high school’s roof are being remodeled and updated.
Viking Stadium has many projects coming its way as well -- new concrete and asphalt in the commons and underneath the bleachers, which would accompany surfaces along the track.
“It’s exciting to start these projects,” Heimann said. “We’ve been working on this for a long time. We’ve gotten a lot of community input and we’re ready to do this.”
15.5 million dollars is what’s between the old and the new at Waverly, it’s what the voters decide that will determine whether the old will become new.
