Friends Group Launches Campaign Supporting Birmingham Schools' $66M Bond Issue

The “Friends of BPS” has formally launched its campaign in support of the Birmingham Public Schools’ $66 million Bond 2015 proposal that will be put to a vote on May 5.

If passed, the bond will result in a zero tax rate increase while providing significant infrastructure improvements aimed at creating a comfortable, safe and supportive environment for 21 century learners, according to a news release from the group.

A cornerstone of the campaign is the group’s website, www.BPSYES.org, which coordinates detailed information on all aspects of the proposal, including a financial breakdown of exactly how the dollars will be spent on a school-by-school basis.

Visitors to the website can also view videos, voter and precinct information, volunteer and donation information, frequently asked questions and other important information.

“Our research shows that the more people understand about the bond proposal, the more likely they are to be supportive,” said Catherine Turnbull, co-chair of Friends of BPS. “BPSYES.org was built with this in mind, to offer everything a community member could need to become an informed voter on May 5.

“We believe that the correlation between voter education and their support validates that the district has, in fact, done its homework and created an intelligent, responsible plan that balances today’s needs with an eye on tomorrow’s opportunities.”

Turnbull noted the financial advantages of approving this Bond in the current financial environment.

“A Yes vote maintains the existing debt millage rate at 3.9. It’s a zero increase, she said. “And, at the same time, the municipal bond interest rates are near historical lows, making the cost to borrow as low as it has been in the past 40 years.”

The bBond proposal spans the district’s 17 facilities and two million square feet. The average age of the BPS schools is 47 years. Investment will be concentrated in four categories:

• Buildings and Site Upgrades (roof repairs, boilers, parking lots)
• Safety and Security (ADA updates, enhancing security at entrances)
• Instructional upgrades (driven by the district’s recent strategic planning process)
• Technology (both network systems and building and classroom specific).

Line item level details are available on the website both by project and by school building.