|
Central School District 13J Referred to the People by the District Board Central School District No. 13J General Obligation Bond Authorization Question: Shall Central School District No. 13J be authorized to issue general obligation bonds not exceeding $13,500,000? If the bonds are approved, they will be payable from taxes on property or property ownership that are not subject to the limits of sections 11 and 11b, Article XI of the Oregon Constitution. Summary: If approved, this measure provides funds to finance capital construction and improvements, and pay bond costs. Specifically, this measure would: • Provide funds for seismic upgrades to Independence Elementary School. • Address health and safety, renovation and construction projects District wide including equipping and furnishing. • Purchase structures and acquire land, if needed, to address current and future capacity needs. • Pay associated bond issuance costs. The Bonds would mature in twenty-one (21) years or less from issuance date and may be issued in one or more series. Explanatory Statement This bond measure would fund educational facilities at Central School District by providing for 1) earthquake (seismic) upgrades to Independence Elementary School, 2) health, fire and life safety upgrades, renovations, and other major improvements to all schools. This includes addressing issues related to the Americans with Disabilities Act, and 3) funds to address enrollment capacity based on recent and increased projected growth in student population. Over the past several years Central School District has conducted public meetings with Monmouth and Independence citizens and community leaders to identity capital improvement projects. These small groups, town hall meetings, and committees, made recommendations to the Board of Directors. After reviewing input from the committees and various community forums the board unanimously approved the 2005-2006 Facility Committee’s recommendation to seek a capital improvement bond in November 2006. It is anticipated that this bond issue would not increase the current tax rate for bonded indebtedness. The district will be making the final payment on previous bonds next year. Additionally, the recent Monmouth-Independence population growth, and resulting new construction has added to the tax base it is expected that there would be no increase in the property tax rate over the current rate. This is a summary of what the bond money would provide: 1. Independence Elementary School was constructed in 1925. This two story building is primarily constructed of un-reinforced masonry. It is a simple, but well maintained historic building that is on the National Historic Register. Community leaders, district officials, and the district’s structural engineering consultants are all very concerned that an earthquake would cause catastrophic damage to the building and pose a life-threatening hazard to students and adults. If approved, this bond would fund upgrades to meet today’s standards for seismic resistance and educational space for students and staff. Approximately $3,000,000 of the $13,500,000 would be used for this purpose. 2. The district has identified a list of projects for improvements in its report called Health, Safety, Renovation, and Major Projects Plan. This plan lists what areas in each school require repair or renovation. Student management and safety is a high priority with Central School District and this bond would finance these capital improvement at all school facilities. A listing of these projects can be obtained at the District Office or at each school. Approximately $5,000,000 of the $13,500,000 would be used for this purpose. 3. Central School District 13J is a growing school district. It is anticipated by the year 2015 nearly 3,500 students will be in attendance. This year, 2006-2007, it is anticipated over 2,800 students will be in attendance. As a result of this growth in student population the school district has capacity issues now. Some of the buildings are over capacity now, and all of them will be in the near future. Educational space is needed to provide for current and future student growth. Approximately $5,500,000 of the $13,500,000 would be used for this purpose. Submitted by: Leon Austinson, Operations Maint. Mgr. Central School District 13J No arguments in favor of or opposed to this measure were filed. |