Voters in the Emerson Public Schools district approved a plan to address space needs and substantially renovate instructional facilities. That means the district can move forward with its plan to borrow $13.4 million and start work to enhance school security, eliminate temporary trailers, and improve instructional spaces.

Unofficial results from Tuesday’s bond referendum show 666 votes in favor of the proposal and 652 votes opposed.

“We are so grateful for the support of our voters, who showed that they appreciate the value of their public schools and the role those schools play in a vibrant community,” said Brian P. Gatens, Ed.D., Superintendent of  Emerson Public Schools.

Emerson school leaders will take the next step of consulting with an experienced construction management team that specializes in working with school facilities. That team will work with the district’s architect to develop appropriate plans and timelines.

“All of those decisions will focus on ensuring that instructional time and extracurricular activities are minimally impacted and that students and staff are safe while our schools are improved,” Gatens said.

The bond referendum grew out of the 2015-2020 District Strategic Plan, which involved students, staff, administrators, parents, and community members. They identified district strengths and challenges, developed a vision for the future, and set district goals and objectives. Once the Strategic Plan was adopted, a citizen-led Facilities Review Committee conducted a comprehensive review of Emerson’s facilities. The Board of Education studied the issues further before deciding on specific improvements to be part of the referendum.

“The school board developed a proposal that represented a careful balance of our fiscal responsibility to taxpayers and our obligation to properly educate students for a demanding world,” said Board of Education President Ann Pressimone. “With voter approval on Tuesday, we can continue to provide Emerson students with a variety of learning experiences in safe and supportive environments.”