Voters in Tupelo made it abundantly clear that they support efforts to modernize educational facilities in their local public school district.
On Tuesday, around 94% area residents voted in favor of a $34 million bond to fund building expansions, the renovation of existing facilities, and upgrades to safety infrastructure and technology. The bond will allow the district to borrow money without increasing taxes.
“TPSD is a top-performing district with aging facilities needing major capital projects. Over the past seven years, $29 million has been spent from the district’s own funds, but more is needed as we face major projects,” an official statement from the school district reads.
“The city of Tupelo has grown, and to keep up with the growth, TPSD has to adapt to the changing needs of the community and the students it serves.”
Officials plan to use the $34 million to renovate restrooms across the district, give classes at Carver and Lawhon elementary schools a facelift, construct outdoor recreational and learning spaces, and build a new multi-purpose center at Tupelo Middle School, among other projects.
According to the school district, the bond money cannot be used to increase teacher salaries or hire new educators.
“On behalf of the 7,000 students in the Tupelo Public School District, I want to thank the community for coming out to vote and supporting the no tax increase bond resolution,” Tupelo Public School District Superintendent Dr. Rob Picou said. “It’s going to help us do many renovations and modernize our classrooms throughout the school district.”
