–by Ayn Gailey —
After months of collecting community feedback, the School Board held a special meeting on Wednesday, June 14, to hear more input and make a decision on what to do about the bond that did not pass in February. The Board heard from bond consultant Trevor Carlson, who outlined the interest rate climate (still favorable), and project manager Liz Le Roy who answered questions in detail about costs of projects included in the last bond and costs proposed for the upcoming bond.
Board member Greg White started the conversation by conveying the responses he has been hearing from the community. His interpretation of the feedback is that “The community is more interested in the bond addressing needs before wants.”
Along with Janet Brownell, he suggested taking the contentious track and field component out of the bond to give it a better chance at succeeding. Brownell suggested putting the track and field in a levy so that the community and the school still have an opportunity to take advantage of the $1 million dollar donation by a private citizen to build the track and field.
Chris Sutton agreed with Brownell, but suggested that it was important to add the parking lot and old gym repairs and renovations to really address community concerns that the district take care of the most critical needs and maintain those items they currently have. Sutton added, “To avoid a phase 4, we need to get things done and do it right.”
Tony Ghazel disagreed that the community would not pass the bond as is, considering that the bond failed by less than five actual votes. He expressed his opinion that it would be possible to usher the current bond through with the track and field on it if issues around it were clarified.
There was some back and forth over the projected costs of the high school parking lot, which Ghazel was dismayed by, but the Board was informed by Superintendent Eric Webb that the district is working on reaching out to the county to get better pricing. After discussing facts and feedback and financial ramifications, Brownell moved that they put the bond on the ballot at $10.8 million without the track and field, but adding in the high school parking lot repair and old gym renovations so that the school would not be forced to present another bond in the near future. Greg White seconded the motion.
The vote was 3 (White, Brownell, Sutton) for and 2 opposed (Ghazel and Lancaster).
According to District Executive Assistant Cathy Ferran, “The next step in the process is for the district to draft the bond resolution with bond counsel’s help. The board will then review and sign the resolution at one of their meetings in July and before the August 1 filing deadline.”
There was also a formal motion to move the track and field to a capital levy on the November ballot. All board members approved except Ghazel. The Capital Projects Levy will also be placed on the November ballot.
To read some of the history of the bond project: https://theorcasonian.com/school-board-passes-resolution-8m-bond-levy/
I urge the Board to give the public a clear picture of what else will need to be done in order to finish all the needs for the School District.! If the 10.8 bond is approved as well as the separate track and field for 1.3 m. Then we are looking at a cost of 25 million for the taxpayers. It started for a request for $35 million then 28 million who were both rejected. Then 13 million bond was approved .
I want to support the basic needs of the school and I love
the work that was done for 13 million but the Board needs to give better clarity to the public. As an example the cost for the parking lot is just a rough estimate of
$ 1.7611,680. but other options have not been look at.
More research should be done as to different options.
The board did not accept any public comments at the meeting which is dissappointing, if you are voting on a proposed bond and you have members of the public attending the meeting then you should listen to the public before you make a decision .
You are so right, Pierrette. The work that has been funded with past bonds has been transformative for the school. I anticipate the next round will allow the district to complete needed repairs and improvements. In order to make the deadline for inclusion on the November ballot, the Board needed to make a decision. There have been ample opportunities and forums for public discussion and I suspect there will be more as the months go on. As for the parking lot, the price given is an estimate with contingencies included. My understanding from the conversation between Liz Leroy and the school board is that they will review options and materials once the bond passes. Whatever they decide to do I welcome, as I can’t wait to get rid of those potholes!
Finally a well thought out and much needed bond package. I want to thank the Board for responding to the community concerns.Now lets get behind this and finish what has been done so far.
I would like to suggest the County, Eastsound and the school look closely at opportunities to build out, and better utilize, the school’s parking for Eastsound accessible seasonal parking. The high summer season is when our village is stressed for parking. Improving the school’s parking, and maximizing its utilization over the whole year, could resolve two critical needs.