Ten Good Reasons to Vote for Phase 2

The vote is this Tuesday, March 13, and I wanted to recap the reasons why it is so vital for us to approve the Phase 2 renovations - Article 2 on the School Ballot.  

I've also included some links with important information, including a presentation by the architects on the school needs/solution/floor plans, and a video link from the school district that provides a glimpse into all the elementary schools.  In the video, the principals of the Phase 1 schools talk about the benefits of the renovations, and the Phase 2 principals explain the deficiencies still present in the unrenovated schools - A MUST SEE!

10 Good Reasons to Approve Phase 2  

1. Phase 1 schools are completed – on time and within budget – same plan, same architects
2. Benefit from a fiscally conservative plan - construction costs and bond rates are low – we could save $6 million by approving it now (based on conservative assumptions of increasing construction costs and interest rates)
3. Eliminate $40,000 in annual lease costs of portable classrooms
4. Attain equal educational opportunity for ALL elementary school students in Salem
5. Create adequate educational spaces to meet New Hampshire educational standards
6. Implement safety upgrades and remove asbestos floors to meet current safety code
7. Realize separate gyms & cafeterias
8. Replace aging infrastructure and add energy-efficient equipment
9. Keep on plan to renovate the high school and middle school in the most cost-effective manner, in the least amount of time
10. Boost property values in ALL districts by creating a more vital and attractive community

Impacts of NOT Approving Phase 2 Now 

• Project costs will increase with climbing interest rates and construction costs
• Taxpayers will keep paying $40,000 in annual lease costs of portables, beginning this July
• Property values will suffer
• Deteriorating facilities will necessitate more costly capital improvements
• Classes in hallways, stairwells and closets will continue
• PE classes & basketball practices in cafeterias will continue
• Safety & security issues will remain
• Inequitable educational opportunity between elementary school districts will continue, impacting the academic level at which our children enter middle school
• ALL school renovations will be delayed

Facility Master Plan - Why Phase II video:   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFeWDhOqolk&feature=youtu.be

Information from the architects on the school needs and proposed solutions, including floor plans:  http://www.sau57.org/renovation/Documents/Phase%20II%20renovations%201-25-12.pdf

Phase 2 snapshot including tax impact:  http://www.sau57.org/Projects/Documents/Phase-II-Information.pdf