There's a $32.6 million bond vote on the Election Day ballot in towns that belong to the Mt. Abraham Union High School District. The bond would pay for what's being called the Mt. Abe RevUP Project to upgrade the middle and high school facilities.
A website dedicated to the project says the Mt. Abe RevUP Project would be the first major renovation to the school building since it was built.
The building has seen no real renovation or updates since its initial build in the late [1960s]. At the time of its build the school was the most innovative and advanced school building in the state. For 48 years the building has served the community well. However, it has become necessary for this generation to responsibly upgrade the facilities, not just for visual and innovation purposes, but also because there are safety and code upgrades that must be addressed.
On Nov. 4, voters in Bristol, Lincoln, Monkton, New Haven and Starksboro will cast ballots on the 20-year bond. The Mt. Abe RevUP site breaks down the tax implications by town.
The project was initiated by a group of citizens who brought the issue to the union school board. A press release issued after the board voted to bring the project to the voters describes the work being proposed:
The conceptual plan includes a middle school gym and upgrades to the pool and surrounding areas which were two items that the community spoke very passionately and clearly about. In addition to those items the project will also include improvements in air quality, natural lighting, flow of building, efficient use of space and resources, teaching space and collaboration space that reflects 21st-century learning and a fully renovated and relocated library to the lobby area.
An informational meeting detailing the project and financing proposals will be held at the school on Monday, Oct. 27 at 7 p.m.
