Pine River Schools seeking $4.5 million for septic replacement

Pine River School District is seeking $4.5 million for a new septic system, among other critical upgrades.

If approved, the proposal would not increase tax rates, since it’s replacing an expiring millage.

Superintendent Michelle Gill says the upgrades are necessary for the school to function.

The school uses a septic lagoon for their waste disposal, an older and less efficient system — and since the 60-year old project wasn’t properly permitted originally, the school is unable to perform repairs on the pipes, Gill said.

Without the upgrades, Gill says that future septic issues could cause a temporary return to virtual instruction.

“This bond has a lot to do with making sure our kids don’t even have to worry about that — they can come to school, they can be safe, they can have the normal things that we’re used to like working bathrooms, and all that,” she said. “So it really about is about meeting the basic needs of our students and our staff, and having them come to school in an environment that they don’t have to worry about anything.”

The funding would also go towards increased school safety, updated computers for students and teachers and the replacement of portions of the school electric and HVAC systems.

Voters will have the chance to weigh in on the proposal with the Aug. 6 primary election.

More information on the bond can be found at Pine River’s website.

You can find your local millage proposals and candidates on our website, or see your sample ballot and other information from the Secretary of State here.