2013 Bond Election Presentation

Transcription

1 2013 Bond Election Presentation

2 Promises Kept: The 2003 Bond Voters approved a $78 million bond issue. Five projects were completed on time and within budget: 1. Richland High School total modernization 2. Hanford High School total modernization 3. Enterprise Middle School new construction 4. White Bluffs Elementary School new construction 5. Jason Lee Elementary School new construction The district has kept a past promise to not ask for a bond or capital levy for the past 10 years. 2

3 Projects Completed Jason Lee Elementary White Bluffs Elementary Hanford High Enterprise Middle School Richland High 3

4 Keeping our Community Great Kiplinger.com says Richland is the nation's secondbest city to raise children. Why? Amount of money spent on educating children Number of public parks and playgrounds Income levels Cost of living Passing the 2013 bond protects Richland's reputation for good schools 4

5 What is a bond? Bonds = Buildings Bond funds are generally collected over a year period. This will be a 15 year bond. Bond funds cannot be used for basic education. Bonds can only be used for construction, renovation of buildings, major repairs, and/or property acquisitions. 5

6 2013 Bond Projects $98 million bond up for vote in Feb Rebuild the Three Sisters Lewis and Clark Elementary Marcus Whitman Elementary Sacajawea Elementary Build a new elementary school in South Richland Build a new middle school in South/West Area Replace the HVAC system at Chief Joseph Middle School Make safety improvements at Fran Rish Stadium Repurpose Jefferson Elementary for HomeLink 6

7 How were these projects chosen? Richland School Board studied facility issues for months. Analyzed the 2009, 2010 and 2012 facilities reports. Prioritized needs to keep bond issue as lean as possible. Revisited and refined cost estimates. Reports are available on the rsd.edu website 7

8 Facility Renovation Schedule 8

9 Why now? We re wasting money on repairs that could be going to teaching, programs and curriculum The Three Sistersare over 40 years old and need renovation More than $230k spent at Lewis & Clark last year for repairs Schools are significantly over capacity, which weakens the learning environment Both South Richland elementary schools are over capacity. Enterprise and Carmichael Middle Schools are over capacity. HomeLink program has outgrown its current space. Health and safety concerns are growing The HVAC system at Chief Jo Middle School does not cool or heat the facilities effectively and creates health concerns. Fran Rish Stadium does not meet safety/ada codes. We can save money now with low interest rates 9

10 Project: Rebuild the Three Sisters Replace 42-year-old elementary schools Lewis & Clark, Marcus Whitman and Sacajawea $21 million each Recurring plumbing, HVAC, structural repairs = $$$$ New construction provides opportunity to provide 21 st century wireless technology and designs Schools were built with a modified open layout, so there are noise issues that cause distractions and learning challenges Schools have no lunchrooms 10

11 Conditions are inadequate and embarrassing Portable Office Coolers

12 Plumbing issues create risk and uncertainty Marcus Whitman Water Line Break 12

13 Project: New Elementary in S. Richland Build new South Richland elementary school $21 million South end is growing rapidly and will continue Relieve overcrowding at Badger and White Bluffs Badger Mntn there are six classes held in portables. Badger Mountain built for 600 students; now is 700+ White Bluffs built to accommodate 700; now is 800+ Allow students to learn with their neighbors Students bused to central Richland schools Neighborhoods are being split apart. Within a two block radius, students are zoned for three different elementary schools 13

14 -79 K-5 students -48 K-5 students +615 K-5 students +324 K-5 students 2011 Study Completed by Independent 3 rd Party from Vancouver, WA 14

15 Project: New Middle School Build new middle school in the south/west area $33 million Relieve overcrowding at Enterprise and Carmichael Carmichael and Enterprise have a combined 11 classrooms held in portables. Carmichael s practical capacity is 865 students; now 978 students Enterprise s practical capacity is 816 students; now is 970 students Combined nearly 300 students over capacity Overcrowding will only increase as South and West Richland continue to grow. 15

16 Project: Chief Jo HVAC Replace Chief Joseph HVAC system ($6 million). Limited dollars available in RSD general fund are paying for repairs, not teaching or curriculum $80K to $100K spent on repairs in the last 18 months. Parts are difficult to find and expensive 1996 system with a design life of 15 years. Unsafe and distracting to continue on maintenance-only Natural gas heating system produces exhaust fumes that create a health issue for students and staff. There has been a disruptive stench in some areas causing classes to relocate. There is no heating or cooling in the school gym. Modern HVAC systems use less energy yet provide better air quality. 16

17 Project: Fran Rish Stadium Complete safety upgrades at Fran Rish Stadium $2 million Built in Safety-related issues have caused injuries. Disability access is not up to ADA codes. Inadequate bathrooms, dangerous or no handrails, twisted and warped metal seating. A poor presentation of Richland s pride in our schools to other communities 17

18 18

19 Project: Repurpose Jefferson Repurpose Jefferson Elementary for HomeLink $5 million HomeLink program has grown to 400 students in less than 5 years Money spent on leasing facility comes from general fund Current space inadequate RSD receives same amount of funds for these students as regular students 19

20 Why Jefferson? Enrollment and growth shows need for only four elementary schools in central Richland Fewest students impacted at Jefferson Larger three sisters will enable Jefferson students to attend a new school 20

21 How much will the bond cost? Bond cost is $98 million Total cost of all projects is approximately $130 million. The District will receive approximately $32 million in state assistance money. 21

22 How much will this bond cost YOU? Estimated tax rate would increase $0.34 per $1,000 of assessed value. If your home is worth $100,000: $34 per year in taxes or $2.84 a month. $2.84 is less than a tall latte a month If your home is worth $200,000: $68 per year in taxes or $5.68 a month $5.68 is less than a glass of wine a mnth Are you willing to give up one latte or one glass of wine a month to support thousands of kids with new, safe, advanced schools? 22

23 Bond makes financial sense now Existing bonds have been refinanced three times savings of $4 million to local taxpayers. 15-year bonds mean less interest the debt will be paid down more quickly Interest rates are very low right now and may increase if we wait Construction materials and costs will increase if we wait Building multiple new schools with similar layouts saves money 23

24 Education is not an expense. It s an investment in our future! 24

25 Election Dates Election will be held Feb. 12, 2013 Mail-in ballots will be distributed starting January 22 Must be registered to vote by January 14, 2013 by mail or February 4, 2013 in person Ballots must be postmarked by February 12, The bond needs a 60% majority to pass, and 40% of voters registered for the November election must participate. 25

26 How Can You Help? Go Door to Door (either with ½ sheet of paper with information or door hangers) Yard Signs VOTE YES Remind family and friends to vote yes! Put Vote Yes signs up at work! Ask businesses to also put a Vote Yes sign(s) up Pass out informational material at Upcoming School Events (Winter Concerts, Winter Festivals, etc.) Send home informational mailers Put Bond Information in PTO/PTA/PTSA Newsletter Set up school automated phone system to remind parents to VOTE!! Have a bond informational night for PARENTS (present this presentation) Give presentation to your groups/clubs Mail letters to the Editor Sign rally with students not on school property, but you can across the street, or at busy intersections (get the 5:00 traffic!) GET STUDENTS INVOLVED IN ANYTHING YOU CAN!! What will be effective campaign strategies for your population? 26

27 Bond website: Campaign Materials in PDF format ready to print Information about the Bond Information on how to get involved Community presentation (this presentation) Visit Our Facebook Page for up-to-date information!! 27

28 Questions? 28

29 Richland Citizens for Good Schools 29

30 What about senior citizens with fixed incomes? There is no impact!! Seniors can receive an exemption from the additional property taxes. Visit the Benton County Assessor's Office for more details. Senior citizens can then benefit from a district with a vibrant school system. 30

31 Analysis of Financing Options Board members analyzed 43 financing options. The proposed 2013 bond financing option minimizes the tax impact to District residents. I want to assure our taxpayers that we worked diligently to keep this bond amount as low as possible. Rick Jansons President Richland School Board 31