Central School District # 13J serves approximately 2700 students in two communities of Monmouth and Independence, and a large rural area surrounding the communities. The District encompasses approximately 150 square miles, principally in Polk County, with the boundaries including a small portion of Marion and Benton Counties. Central has an estimated population of 16,307 patrons. The District operates four elementary schools serving grades K-5; one middle school grades 6-8; one high school serving grades 9-12; an alternative school at Eola, and a teen parent education program.

The enrollment for the District has been increasing at an approximate rate of 1.5 to 2.0 % for each of the past ten years. The District has not constructed additional elementary, or middle school classrooms during this time; therefore, the major issue is OVERCROWDING of existing facilities. This condition was also identified by a scientific poll conducted in March of 1998. More than 60% of people polled in the District identified overcrowding as the major issue facing the district. The bond measure passed in May 1994 did not include a new school. These proposed bond funds will construct an intermediate school to accommodate the 5th and 6th grades of the District. The six grade class will transfer from Talmadge, leaving Talmadge as a 7th and 8th middle school of approximately 450 students which is what the school was designed to accommodate. To alleviate crowding at each of the four elementary schools the 5th grade classes will be transferred to the new school.

The proposed $12,400,000 bond measure will:

n Construct and furnish a new district intermediate school in Monmouth;

n Build and furnish 4 additional classrooms at the high school, and acquire gymnasium bleachers, finish team rooms, and remodel physical education dressing rooms.

n Upgrade the heating and ventilating systems at Monmouth and Independence Elementary Schools:

n Upgrade playgrounds at Independence and Henry Hill Elementary Schools:

n Upgrade gym floors at Monmouth, Independence, and Henry Hill Elementary Schools:

n Remodel and improve student commons and make improvements to meet ADA requirements at Talmadge Middle School;

n Acquire and furnish modular classrooms and upgrade septic system at Oak Grove School:

n Remodel and improve the basement of Eola Alternative School; and

n Pay issuance cost, and other bond costs.

The bond will mature in 20 years or less.

The estimated cost to property owners will be $ 1.69 for each $ 1,000 of assessed value. The District passed a bond measure in 1982 to remodel the high school was retired in 1996. The District also passed a bond measure in 1994 for $11,765,000. The rate for each $ 1,000 of assessed value is presently $ 2.30 for each $ 1, 000 of assessed value. The combined measures will have an estimated cost of $ 3.99 for each $ 1, 000 of assessed value.

Submitted by:

Dr. Jack W. Stoops, Superintendent

Central School District # 13 J

No arguments in favor of or opposed to this measure were filed.