Our Schools are the Foundation of Our Community - YOU Can Make a Difference March 13

On March 13 we have an opportunity to make a difference in this community by passing School Article 2, the Phase 2 renovations and Articles 4 to 8, staff raises.

Making Phase 2 a reality would be a major leap forward for this community, bringing ALL of our elementary schools to adequacy.  This renovation will build three more schools to last 50 years, meet educational adequacy standards and safety code, enable small group instruction and special education classes to leave the hallways and closets, move PE classes and recreational basketball from the cafeteria to appropriate gym space, and most importantly, create equal educational opportunity for ALL of our elementary school students. 

Approving the very modest staff raises is also imperative in bringing our staff closer to equity with surrounding districts after not receiving raises for three and four years, especially since cost-of-living increases have far outdistanced their salaries. 

Passing these modest increases will go a long way toward building morale and promoting a positive learning environment.   Approving them will also enable our schools to continue to attract and retain the best teachers and staff for our kids, who spend almost as many waking hours at school as they do at home.

There are a few who continually attempt to distract us from the real reasons our schools need to be renovated.  But casting doubt on the facility master plan or just voting “NO” is not a plan.  It will only hinder our community’s progress.

Voting down Phase 2 will not result in a 5-school plan because there are no plans to close Haigh.  Enrollments simply don’t warrant it, and the primary driver behind the elementary renovations is providing adequate educational spaces.  And voting down Phase 2 will not bring the high school renovations to the ballot any earlier. 

It’s time for us all to come together to do what’s right.  Following our plan, and approving Phase 2, is the fastest, smartest, least expensive way to get all of our schools renovated.  The plan is already working, with three elementary schools completed on time and within budget.  These schools are projected to last 50 years.

By approving Phase 2 now, we could save as much as $6 million on construction and interest costs over the 20-year bond period.  Rates are at an all-time low of about 3.5 percent as compared to more than 5 percent only a couple of years ago.  Construction costs have already started increasing since Phase 1 construction was implemented, and all signs point to their continued increase.  Delaying Phase 2 doesn’t make sense.  It would only serve to increase costs of this and future renovations and delay needed improvements to the remaining schools. 

Vote YES to our schools on March 13th!