Letter to the Editor: Vote YES for both School Issues

As a NO voter on the previous $35 million School Bond , I enthusiastically urge a YES vote on the current School District Propositions 1 and 2, 1. a $11.9 million 20 year bond issue and 2. a $200,000 2 year technology levy.

The School District and the community have already accomplished amazing work:
.   Local building professionals led by Clyde Duke thoroughly evaluated the buildings to correct seismic, ADA and health/safety issues.
.   In addition to repairing the heating and plumbing in the elementary school last
summer, a grant from the state will upgrade the fire alarm system and replace the old gym water heater.
.   Senator Kevin Ranker has secured a Distressed Schools grant of $1million to replace the failed siding and repair the windows on the high school plus repairs on the Waldron School.
.   A grant of $50,000 will purchase new kitchen equipment.

Now it is essential to complete the repairs and renovations on our 1980’s buildings including the cafeteria, music room, home ec. room, middle school and library.
The rehab will replace decaying and hard to maintain materials with low maintenance, energy efficient materials that reduce energy costs.

The technology levy for equipment and services is $200,000 – estimated tax of $0.06 per $1000 assessed valuation for 2 only years.

BOTH YES VOTES WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR TAXES. It will just replace the present capital levy which expires next month. This is our opportunity to make our school the safe, secure, stimulating environment we all want for the children of our island.

By Andrea Hendrick