Bond includes millions for Caney Creek capital and safety upgrades, artificial turf

Omar Perez, Contributing Reporter

The bond package will be include several items directly affecting Caney Creek High School including upgrading facilities and programs totaling $11.9 million.
If approved, construction would take place between January 2021 and August 2023 depending on the project.
If the bond gets approved, the $807 million referendum will include Caney Creek High School at an estimated cost of $11.9 million in capacity and program upgrades, according to the bond schedule, plus millions more in technology, safety, and capital projects.
One project would replace the natural grass on the athletic fields with artificial turf.
“(This would affect the availability) of the fields because of all the rain; (right now) we have to cancel the games,” Athletic Director Steven Svendsen said, noting that teams will not have to cancel practice or games if it is raining.
Many groups use the field for various activities such as the homecoming parade, soccer games, NJROTC, Starlettes, band and football games.
Technology projects are included in the bond package as well like purchasing a new DAS repeater and BDA first responder system. These devices will create a wider radio transmission for first responders. The police, emergency personnel and administrators will be able to communicate without interruptions of service during an emergency, as well as school staff, according to Assistant Principal Brain Lovetinsky.
“They are systems to help the radio to increase radio capacity within the school or the area,” Principal Dr. Jeffrey Stichler said. “If policemen or firefighters were out here, it would boost their signal so they can be able to communicate. The DAS is digital to help boost radio signal for campus radio, radio for maintenance guys.”
The upgrades would also replace the analog camera system, which will allow for higher resolution video capabilities and camera capacity.