The Dowagiac Union Schools Board of Education unanimously approved a resolution calling for the Aug. 7 bond election during a special meeting Thursday evening.

Supt. Mark Daniel acknowledged the differing opinions from many in the district and presented the information to the board for further discussion. Among the few members who spoke, Vice President Michelle Helmuth said she would support the resolution because of the kids.

“Our teachers deserve the technology to teach our kids, and our kids deserve access to the technology to learn,” Helmuth said. “If it’s boiled down to teachers and kids, it’s easy for me to support it.”

Board President Larry Seurynck said the district will never be able to get ahead on the current building’s repairs.

Trustee Claudia Zebell said it is critical for the district to move forward with the bond even amid an expressed lack of trust from the public.

“We’ve heard that plea of trust, but if we postpone this decision, we will be waiting quite a while before the opportunity comes along again,” Zebell said. “I think we can work on the bond and trust issues simultaneously.”

Daniel said the time is now for the district to bridge the mixed feelings about the bond.

“I’m asking for your support in this endeavor,” Daniel said.