Editor:
As you may be aware in the last 5 years our school district has been systematically updating our schools. In the process they have been fiscally responsible and have done an amazing job keeping the existing taxes at the existing rate through using our in-district resources and securing grants. Our schools are currently safer and in great shape. Even our high school has experienced some great updates. However because the campus is so large the updates have been accomplished in phases.
Currently, the class room areas that facilitate our CTE programs, math, science, and LRC programs. Have infrastructure that is 50 to 80 years old. To address this the district has secured a huge grant for just over $12 million. However, if we don’t match the money we will lose the grant. That’s a lot of money for our kids. Frankly, we can’t afford to lose that kind of money for our kids.
To make our high school safer and address the construction and infrastructure issues the building project needs to be larger than a $12 million grant match. So the ask is large. The cost will only get larger and more expensive with time and the possible loss of the $12 million grant.
It’s important for our community to know that passing the bond will not increase our taxes. It will be paid by extending the current bond out to cover the costs. That means we still pay for it; just over time without a tax increase.
This is a win, the grant is a lot of money and a huge opportunity that we might not ever see again.
If you haven’t voted yet, please-please consider the future of our community, our schools, and our children. We have an opportunity and we need to take it. We need to vote “yes” for this measure.
Thank you for your consideration,
Jim and Lisa Gourley
Sweet Home