While I don’t think there is any argument that the OISD facilities need renovation and upgrade, is spending $27 million on facilities that will be used by a declining number of on-site students the solution? What bothers me is a more modest proposal is missing as an alternative to the expansive plans represented by the current bond.

I can’t understand why renovation and repurposing wasn’t considered.

The high and elementary school renovations will cost $4.5 million.

What would be the cost to renovate the middle school buildings? Surely less than the $12 million projected to rebuild?

We have fewer on-site students and an expanding OASIS enrollment. Contrary to the statement in the “Bond Fact Sheet,” the elementary, middle and high schools have seen reduced enrollment for years. My fear is by building an elaborate set of new buildings to satisfy some notion of perfect school environment or provide a “Field of Dreams” (if we build it they will enroll) that we will be left with a collection of white elephants that will have to be maintained for fewer on-site students.

The total Bond cost is not $27 million but $43-47 million – with upwards of $20 million being interest payments over 25 years. We can be sure that Wall Street and others will benefit from the interest payments but we will not. Furthermore, as future home assessments reflect the decrease in home values, the mill rates will rise. If more people qualify for the Senior Exemption Program taxes on other property owners will rise to compensate.

One of the problems that we face in America today is the escalation of debt that is bankrupting towns, cities, counties and states. We should not be so quick to jump on this same wagon. I say vote no for this bond issue and send the school board and administration back to the drawing board to work with a citizens committee to develop a plan that is fiscally responsible and representative of the rural community that we live in.

John Finlay

Orcas Island