HIGHLAND | The School Town of Highland has approved a $10 million bond package for school renovations.

Roofing work at Southridge Elementary School, Highland Middle School and at the high school is estimated to cost $6.5 million. Another $750,000 will cover parking lot and paving work at those schools.

The high school football field and running track will be resurfaced, for an estimated $230,000 each, and another $125,000 for the tennis court.

It would amount to an extra $2.17 monthly payment on a $100,000 home, or $26 per year, the School Board estimates.

"It makes sense, is financially feasible and is a good thing," said Superintendent Michael Boskovich, adding the roofing is estimated at $12 per square foot.

Board members said they were responsible for students' safety and the facilities.

"The bar is set and I encourage us to go forward in taking care of not only the buildings, but the athletic facilities so that when we have visiting school districts come to our events they applaud the way they are run," said board member David Turoci.

The bond has a 13-year payback with a 5.25 percent interest rate; the bond would rise to $14 million at payoff.

Later in the meeting, the board voted unanimously on a $30 million budget which includes a $22.3 million general fund to cover salaries, insurance, and benefits and utilities.

The capital projects fund of $3.6 million covers school utilities, maintenance of equipment and technology.

Other line items reflected a $3.3 million figure for debt service that will retire a $255,000 balance on an elementary school bond by the end of 2008.