SUNRAY, TEXAS -- Thanks to the passage of a school bond, some major construction is underway right now in Sunray.
It's providing the money needed to add new facilities and educational opportunities for students. It's this week's Region 16 Spotlight on Education report.
On May 14, 2011 Sunray voters passed a $7.3 million bond for their school district, making a decision to absorb costs through raising taxes over the next 15 years.
"It's considered interest and sinking, costing the tax payers about 10 cents this year based on our values, and that varies from year to year," said Glen Waldo, Sunray ISD Superintendent.
The construction is broken down into two different phases. Phase one started in May 2012, with the building of a new gym, and turning the existing one into dressing rooms and a commons area with a new concession stand.
"We will also have new offices for entrance into the high school which will increase the safety and security of our facilities here at the high school," said Waldo.
But that's not all, phase two will include construction on new Science labs for both the Middle and High Schools, and renovations on the existing ones. Plus, renovations to the library, media rooms.
"The Science Labs for example are going to increase the opportunities for our students to have more hands on Science activities and have up to date modern Science facilities for them to use. We did have community members, teachers, and the administrator's involved in the process, selecting colors, designing the classroom layouts of the science rooms".
Phase one is expected to be completed by next August. Construction on Phase two should start in January.
