Hickman Mills voters stamped their approval on a $30 million bond issue in a big way Tuesday.

More than 80% voted yes, easily exceeding the 57% super majority that was needed to pass the no-tax-increase measure.

Overall 5,537 approved the bond issue to 1,365 who voted no, which means the district can extend existing bonds to begin attacking the more than $100 million in needed repairs and upgrades identified in a 2019 building needs assessment.

It was a good night for new Superintendent Yaw Obeng.

"We are very grateful to the Hickman Mills community for their overwhelming support of our students and staff,” Obeng said. “The approval of the bond issue allows us to make needed improvements to the district's aging facilities including secure entries at each school, improvement to bathrooms, playgrounds, parking lots and athletic fields.This action confirms the community's commitment in continuous improvement in all aspects of our improvement process.”

More than half a year of community input and district analysis landed on the $30 million list of projects. They include plans to improve roofs and HVAC systems, and renovations of a fine arts theater and gym and locker room for Ruskin High School.

The architect firm Hollis + Miller performed the assessment and led the community engagement and design process. Now the design phase can begin. Below is the complete list of projects and the schools (click the chart to enlarge).

The new projects will build on work that was completed in the $19 million bond issue voters passed in 2016. The district was able to address millions of dollars worth of deferred maintenance, including:

• HVAC replacement at Smith-Hale Middle School and Millennium at Santa Fe Elementary.

• At Ruskin High school, the addition of four classrooms, site and roof improvements, restroom renovations, interior painting, weight room and locker room renovations.

• At Smith-Hale Middle School, an additional media center and secured entry.

• Compass Elementary relocated to the Baptiste building.