Approve Phase II to Secure Salem's Future

Phase II of the Salem School District’s Facility Renovation Project will be on the ballot this March 13.  With Phase I completed, we now have three adequate, safe, and secure elementary schools, but the job is only half done.

We still have three elementary schools that need the same improvements. We still have little children trying to learn in storage closets and hallways, sitting on asbestos floors, going to PE class in cafeterias, sitting in classrooms without sprinklers, and navigating around buckets to catch roof leaks in the hallways and classrooms. Old infrastructure continues to deteriorate, and portable classrooms are still being leased. All of Salem’s elementary children deserve equal academic and recreational opportunity, as well as safe, secure, and adequate facilities.

The Phase II plan is recommended by the Budget Committee and the School Board, and it’s the least expensive now that it’s ever going to be. Construction costs are still low, and bond rates are historically low. When you invest in the stock market or buy a house, you want to buy low. When you invest in school facilities, it’s smart to buy low. Right now, we’re buying low. 

Plus, we saved almost $6 million in interest with the Phase I bond, due to partial interest-free financing secured by the school district. This nearly equates to getting one of our Phase II schools renovated for free. Lease costs for portable classrooms, and high repair costs due to deteriorating infrastructure, would also be eliminated.  Approving Phase II is a fiscally responsible move.

Renovated schools boost property values, and by much more than the $130 (in the highest year of the bond, for a home valued at $300,000) that you would likely pay in taxes to support the renovation. It’s a fact. It’s proven. When young people buy homes, their highest priority is the school system. Renovations also benefit the business community and our local economy. It’s a win-win situation.

We should all be skeptical of NOT making the Phase II improvements, because that would be much more costly to our future, and a poor financial decision. In this scenario, children would continue to be educated in substandard spaces, infrastructure would continue to deteriorate, resulting in costly repairs, and the cost of renovating would continue to rise. More people would leave. Morale and property values would suffer. Tension between Phase I and Phase II districts would rise. And renovation or replacement of Salem High School and Woodbury School would most likely be further delayed. The fabric and reputation of our community would decline, and that would be a tragedy. We should fear this more than anything. Our community is at a crossroads. Progress needs to continue, or we will all pay the price.

The Phase II plan is proven and it’s the lowest cost it’s ever going to be.  We need to achieve equity in all of our elementary schools in terms of adequacy, safety, security, and academic and recreational opportunity.  The job is half done, and Salem’s future is at stake. Vote YES on School Warrant Article 2 on March 13, and help protect your future.