With a little under a month to go, voters in the Oxford school district are still weighing whether or not to support a proposed a 7-mill bond extension.
Oxford Township resident Ron Davis (who is also the township’s parks & recreation director), knows how he is voting: Yes. And, if any voter is still uncertain, he wants your ear.
‘All I ask is a half hour of your time. Come talk to me and based on the facts you hear, make up your mind,? Davis said, adding three public information meetings concerning the $70.135 million bond proposal are planned.
On Feb. 24, district voters will be asked to approve a bond 7-mill bond extension. If approved, the debt will be paid off in 2041. If it fails, the current debt will be paid off 10 years earlier, in 2031.
The first hearing, on Feb. 10, is at Leonard Elementary. On Feb 11, the issue will be discussed again at Oxford High’s LGI room. On Feb 18, the public forum will be at Clear Lake Elementary. All meetings start at 7 p.m.
Last March, Davis volunteered to inventory the districts athletic/recreational facilities. He’s been involved since, making recommendations for improvements. Of the $70.135 million raised from the bond, about three percent will be used to make those improvements.
Some of the improvements include new ball fields for Leonard and Oxford elementary schools, reconfigured fields on Clear Lake. Four new tennis courts for the high school; new Leonard Elementary and a reconfigured gym for the middle school. A new gym for 5th & 6th graders at the intermediate school (i.e. the middle school building).
All the improvements, not only help Oxford students, Davis believes, but also opens up more recreational opportunities for the entire community. He said demand for local recreation has increased as the economy has tanked. Making the improvements would help accommodate this growing demand.
In the past year, many residents were turned away because there just weren’t enough facilities.
‘Off the top of my head, 60 kids were turned away from our Gatorball program, 50 to 75 from the youth volleyball program. These improvements will allow youth and adults more opportunities not only for athletics, but for arts and craft, too.?
He added, ‘By approving the bond extension and making the improvements, it is like having a community center without the extra bill. We (the township parks and rec department) have a great relationship with Oxford schools. I challenge anyone to find a better relationship between a school district and parks and recreation department. We work hand in hand.?
Davis said, from a community standpoint, approving the bond extension makes sense. ‘When families choose a community to live, the two most important feature of the community are schools and parks and recreation. If these are well maintained it shows a community is viable. My dad used to say, ‘If it’s a school bond issue, I have to vote yes. Our children are tomorrow’s leaders.? I agree.?
Davis, past president of the Michigan Recreation and Parks Association also said by making these improvements, now, state tournaments can be hosted by Oxford in the future. This, he said, will increase foot traffic into local businesses.
Davis has lived in Oxford Township since 1992 and headed up the parks and rec since 1995.
The website www.oxford2009.com was created to help the public learn more of the proposed extension. Davis said for folks with additional questions regarding the bond, they can call him at 248-628-1720.