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JENNIFER FIERRO • PICAYUNE STAFF

BURNET — A day after Burnet Consolidated Independent School District voters passed a $26.7 million bond, athletic director Kurt Jones expressed gratitude.

That’s because voters approved upgrades to Bulldog Field, which equaled 6 percent of the overall bond, around $1.6 million.

Those upgrades include synthetic field turf, new fencing and a new regulation track that will include eight lanes.

“And it’s beyond (benefitting the athletes),” Jones said. “When you look at all the different kids who practice and perform and play, you’re talking about around 600 kids annually. You’re talking about the band, the cheerleaders, the Highlandettes, the football team, the track teams. And kids in grades 7-12, boys and girls.”

Bulldog Field also is the venue for graduation ceremonies.

With the upgrades, Burnet’s chances of hosting playoff football games and district and area track meets increase, Jones said. That also means Bulldog Field also could host band competitions, he said.

So, how quickly will Burnet CISD begin work?

“Meeting and planning will begin immediately,” Jones said. “It’s up to (Superintendent Keith) McBurnett as to the timeline (of which needs are addressed first).”

Still, Jones is optimistic the upgrades to Bulldog Field will be done by the start of the 2015 football season.

“That would be great,” he said.

jfierro@thepicayune.com