Thanks to the millage renewal of its sinking fund, the Cassopolis Public School District will be allowed to make several improvements to district school buildings, especially Ross Beatty Junior/Senior High School, after the first of the year.

Supt. Tracy Hertsel set out to thank voters Wednesday after receiving election results late Tuesday night. The .8739-mill tax levy renewal will produce $315,000 annually for 10 years. Hertsel said he was happy to see the community take charge of providing quality educational facilities and tools for their students.

“It will better the building,” Hertsel said Wednesday. “I want to thank the voters for their support of not only the schools, but the kids.”

The sinking fund provides guidelines on what repairs are permitted through its usage. Among the repairs the district is eyeing are signage for the high school and Sam Adams Elementary School, upgrades to school bathrooms and furniture, as well as the possibility of new lockers.

“We’re seeking the advice of our legal counsel on lockers,” Hertsel said. “It’s a big question mark on if we can use the sinking fund to make upgrades there or not, but it’s a huge need.”

Hertsel said that, since the renewal proposal passed, district administrators will begin the process of assessment and planning as soon as possible.

“There is no timeline right now, but we began discussions this morning on where we can move forward,” Hertsel said.

The next Cassopolis Schools’ Board of Education meeting is 7 p.m. Monday.