By Lori Ehde
When Adrian district residents approved their elementary school bond in December 1998, they were also asked to vote on construction of a new $2- million gym. It was narrowly rejected by a vote of 502 to 466.
That issue will again appear on a ballot on Tuesday. This time, voters will be asked to support a $2.62-million bond for a gymnasium and multipurpose room at the high school.
Polling places will be open from 4 to 8 p.m. at Adrian High School and Lismore Community Center.
Improvements are needed to provide space for physical education, athletic and community recreation activities.
According to reports from the Department of Children, Families and Learning, Adrian's current gymnasium is outdated and ranks among the bottom 10 percent of physical education, athletic and community recreation spaces in the state.
Plans call for new construction to include:
-competition-level gym designed for two sections of physical education and bleacher seating for 800,
-two varsity locker rooms with an office, toilet and shower facilities,
-additional uniform storage and laundry facilities,
-fitness and weight training room with an area for aerobics and adjacent toilets,
-office/dressing and shower room for visiting referees, staff and coaches,
-multipurpose room large enough to accommodate wrestling mats and physical education programs,
-lobby space with a concession/ticket stand,
-pupil rest rooms as required by assembly space and occupancy codes.
In December 1998, taxpayers in the Adrian School District said "yes" to a $4.9-million bond referendum for improvements to the district's elementary school facilities. It passed easily with a vote of 637 to 374.
Construction was completed this fall, and students and staff began the 2000-01 school year in their new classrooms and office space.