The purpose of the bond election is to secure funding for essential improvements within our school district. These improvements focus on upgrading the HVAC systems for better air quality and climate control, modernizing outdated classrooms to support contemporary teaching methods, enhancing safety and security measures throughout the schools, by creating a secure entrance at the high school, and expanding the kitchen facilities to better serve our growing student population. These updates are critical to ensuring a safe, healthy, and effective learning environment for all students and staff.
The estimated cost for all of the projects is approximately $21.4 million.
If the bond is approved, the total tax rate is projected to be $10.72 per $1,000 of taxable value. This adjustment will help fund the essential improvements needed throughout the district. We encourage all community members to review the detailed tax information provided by the district to understand how this will affect individual property taxes.
The bond priorities were determined through a multi-year process involving feedback from community surveys and discussions with parents, teachers, staff, and community members. A building committee and design team then evaluated various scenarios to access feasibility and costs. This collaborative effort ensures the bond proposal addresses the district's most pressing needs, focusing on projects that impact student success and well-being.
Improving safety and security is a key component of the bond proposal. Currently, the high school has two entrances at the front of the building, which can pose security risks by allowing multiple entry points. The proposed plan is to consolidate these into a single, secure entrance, similar to the system currently in place at the PK-8 building. This change will ensure that all visitors must enter through a monitored office area, allowing staff to better control and monitor access, thereby enhancing the overall safety and security of our students and staff.
Upgrading the HVAC system is a top priority for health and safety. Many areas in our PK-8 building lack adequate HVAC, and the high school also needs significant improvements. Effective systems regulate temperature, control humidity, reduce mold risk, and improve air quality, ensuring a safer environment for learning and teaching by reducing the spread of airborne illnesses and allergens.