Two school bond elections will be held in Bryan County on March 5. Both Bennington and Durant school districts will be holding bond elections for their schools.

Durant schools will be holding a bond election to extend a five-year bond in the amount of $5,380,000.

The bond will allow for upgrades in school structures, security and technology. Some plans for the money include a new all-purpose facility, new security in all Durant ISD schools, and safety upgrades to playgrounds.

According to sample ballots for the bond election, there will also be a $480,000 proposition for transportation equipment including new buses for the schools.

The bond will not raise taxes above what they are at currently but may lower them if not passed. As of October 2012 Durant School District has the highest tax levies in the county followed closely by Colbert School District.

Durant Superintendent Jason Simeroth said, “Right now our millage rate is 17.99. From the information I have if our bond did not pass the result would be detrimental to our district upkeep and progress and the reduction in taxes for the tax payer would only be approximately $1.10 for every one hundred, or $11.00 for every one thousand dollars in property taxes.”

He said having an up-to-date school and a community that supports its school builds pride and confidence in students.

Durant Schools has created fliers that are posted on the Durant Schools facebook page detailing the numerous projects that will be supported by the bond.

For more information about the bond issue contact DEF at durantfoundation@gmail.com or visit Durant Schools on Facebook.com.

Bennington School district will also be holding a school bond election on March 5. The bond will be in the amount of $800,000.

The bond will go toward repairing and remodeling Bennington schools as well as acquiring new furniture, fixtures and equipment.

Bennington Superintendent Donna Anderson said that a community spaghetti dinner is planned for Feb. 26 to inform the Bennington School District of the bond and what it will do for the school and community.

Anderson said she will have more details closer to that date.