New questions raised during second bond issue forum

ended, some key questions and concerns were addressed Tuesday evening during the second in a series of four public forums on a proposed $40.8 million USD 234 bond issue.

A handful of local residents, as well as a few members of the district's bond committee, USD 234 Superintendent Bob Beckham, USD 234 Board of Education President Jordan Witt and Board Vice-President Gary Billionis, and Eugene Ware Principal Dave Elliott attended the forum, which was held in a more casual conversation format due to the low attendance. The discussion took place inside the library of Eugene Ware Elementary School.

Voters will decide on the bond issue, which would pay for improvements district-wide at all four school buildings and the district stadium, during the Nov. 4 election.

Local resident Micheal Bryant said some of his concerns about the bond issue include increase in property taxes, "wants versus needs," what the district wants versus what it really needs, and whether there is a plan in place regarding building maintenance "so we're not having this conversation again in 10 to 15 years."

Beckham said officials first created a list of projects before the bond issue proposal was put together.

"Some were more urgent than others," he said. "One of the most urgent was the need for new mechanical systems at the high school."

Beckham said the original price tag for improvements on the list exceeded the $19 million amount that local taxpayers would be responsible for if the bond issue passes. Proponents of the bond issue are trying to take advantage of 51 percent in state aid funding that would be applied to principal and interest payments on the bonds - state aid that might not be there a few years down the road.

"The state will pull the funding formula in a few years," Beckham said. "I'm scared if it (bond issue) doesn't pass, those urgent needs will still be there."

The plan is to have a maintenance plan in place for the improvements "so things don't happen again," Beckham said. If the bond passes and improvements are completed, the district plans to continue to build cash reserves in its capital outlay fund to preserve the renovations to district buildings that were completed as part of the bond issue. A five-year capital plan outlines and schedules annual maintenance projects for facilities, according to district information.

"Our revenue streams are good this year," Beckham said.

Beckham said some of the items in the bond issue that may be considered as "wants" include new artificial turf at the football stadium, one of several planned improvements to the district stadium, as well as gymnasium improvements at the high school.

The district currently pays about $70,000 per year to maintain the current grass field. Beckham said new turf would eventually "pay for itself."

"And we'll put money aside for the 12 years (lifespan) of the turf to replace it when it's time," he said.

Diana Mitchell and Carolyn Sinn, members of the bond committee who attended the forum, said the band, multiple student groups and even the public would have use of the new turf. The current field is used primarily now for football games.

Bryant said as an owner of real estate in the area, he is concerned about an increase in property taxes to help pay for the bonds. He also asked if sales tax bonds had been considered over the bonds that will use property tax money.

"That would put an additional burden on me," he said.

"It's a big project to use sales tax," Beckham said, adding that some school districts have used sales tax bonds for similar projects. Beckham also said sales tax bonds would not adequately fund the planned projects which is why the district went to property tax bonds.

Concerning the 51 percent in state aid that would go toward the bond payments, Beckham said he has been told by citizens that "those are our tax dollars, too."

"If we don't use them, some other county will spend them," he said. "We just want to get our share."

Bryant also asked how the bond committee plans to try to "sell" the bond issue to local residents who live on a fixed income, adding they may have an "uphill battle." He said he was also concerned about a portion of the local population - about 25 percent - who would not be paying for the bonds but still "reaping the benefits."

"We're trying to be open and honest and get people the facts," Sinn said. "We all have to sacrifice at some point in time."

Sinn said for a person who owns a $75,000 house, the annual cost would be about $75.

"You talk about economic development, we want to grow," Sinn said.

Mitchell added to Sinn's comments.

"Nobody's property is going to be worth anything if we don't improve our school system," she said. "I understand there are people on fixed incomes ... These are taxpayer dollars that are going to work for the school system. I think it's time to step up and do the right thing.

"We're being proactive instead of reactive," she added.

In addressing a question from Bryant related to building confidence in voters leading up to the election, Beckham said, "If there's no trust, there's no hope."

Local resident Mike Cheney said if the bond issue doesn't pass, the district will have to "keep fixing issues" every five years or so.

"It may cost more money not to have the bond issue," he said.

The group also discussed the planned addition of high-wind shelters in all school buildings, which would also be used as classroom space. Elliott said his school is nearing capacity as far as students and Winfield Scott Elementary School is already over its capacity. He said there is an immediate concern with "where to put students" in the near future.

Billionis said the district is far behind other districts in terms of technology, and money from the bond issue will help the district stay up-to-date. Money the district plans to put aside could also be used for future technology upgrades.

"Things move forward so quickly anymore, we have to stay on top of it," he said. "It goes beyond brick and mortar."

"I think the technology component is one of the most important things," Witt said. "We're so far behind in technology."

Beckham said he has heard questions related to money for the bond issue only going toward structural components and not academics and learning tools for students.

"If you ask me, every bit is going toward academics," he said.

About $2 million of the bond money would go toward new ventilation systems in classrooms and other "things that affect the learning environment," Beckham said.

Beckham said money the district saves from the bond issue would also be freed up for more educational tools in the future. About $3 million of the total bond amount would be devoted to technology upgrades such as wiring, access points, hardware and software, and building a base for future broadband Internet use, all items that Beckham and Elliot said would benefit students and staff.

Elliott said one upgrade would provide wireless Internet throughout the entire school building and not just in portions of the building. Another planned upgrade is functional phone systems to replace those systems that are not functional.

Beckham said he feels "a lot of positive momentum" building toward the November election. He said he has been pleased with the forums on the bond issue, as well as citizen input on the issue.

"I think their willingness to get the facts and hear information," he said. "And instead of being angry, they're being civil ... I'm proud of the community for getting the facts. I'm pleased to be a part of it."