$12.3 Million Bond Proposed For Tecumseh Schools

A bond is up for a vote for Tecumseh Schools this month, worth 12.3 million dollars.

The bulk of that money would be used for a new early childhood facility. The bond would also add secure entry features to all sites and other renovations.

But another project on the list would help build a school farm.

“I think it’s been something I’ve wanted to do since I was really little. I just enjoy being around animals and livestock and helping them,” said 16-year-old Austin Sack.

Sack has plans to be a veterinarian one day. He is involved in all things agriculture at Tecumseh High School. He and his classmate Katie Logsdon care for show pigs and keep their animals at the barn next door.

“Basically walking them every day, brushing them out and stuff and then washing them when you can,” said Logsdon.

District officials said during active months for the agriculture program, there is not enough room inside the structure for all the hogs and it's definitely not conducive to housing cattle or other farm animals.

“We do have a big program. A lot of students participate,” said Superintendent Tom Wilsie.

Wilsie said if passed, a portion of the bond money would help create a school farm and give more kids the opportunity to keep their animals on the property.

“We currently own 40 acres across from our high school. It has a lot of cedar trees on it, so it’s not used at this time at all. So they’re going to have to do a lot of clearing,” he said.

The clearing would make way for a road and for future structures and pins when those funds become available.

The election is on August 23. It could increase taxes by up to 12.9 percent.