Two areas of the Norborne R-VIII School will receive an overdue remodel after their patrons gave strong approval to a $1.5 million bond issue.

Following last week’s passage of Proposition Pirates with 79 percent of the vote, Norborne will begin the process of renovating their kitchen and cafeteria. Supt. Jennifer Courtney says those two areas of the building haven’t seen much change since they were first built.

At Monday night’s meeting, the school board approved the purchase of a storage container to hold cafeteria tables and other inventory that will return to the renovated space. However, they delayed on giving L J Hart the go-ahead to issue the bonds, after recent shifts in market conditions.

The bond measure will also cover the purchase of a preschool playground, bleachers for the softball field, and additional safety improvements around the Norborne R-VIII campus.

Also Monday night, the board approved renewing their cooperative agreement with Hardin-Central for football, softball, and cheer, and authorized a $500 increase in base salary pay, as well as a $600 step increase. Courtney says that brings the district’s base pay to $37,000, with a state grant covering the remaining $3000 needed to meet a new state law setting minimum teacher salaries.