By Orcas School Board members
This week, you will receive a ballot with two propositions that directly affect the future of the Orcas Island School District.
The first proposition is a renewal of the Maintenance and Operations (M&O) levy. Almost 20 percent of the OISD budget comes from this critical funding source. It helps pay for staff, transportation, maintenance, food service, and extra-curricular activities. The levy is essential to keeping our public schools operational.
The second proposition is for a bond. A bond is a vehicle by which school district can make major repairs and upgrades to facilities. The last bond was paid off in December.
It was during repairs made under that last bond that it was discovered that the middle school buildings, which include the cafeteria, woodshop, library, music room and other classrooms, were approaching the end of their useful life. While the buildings were deemed safe for student use, the general consensus, after careful study, was that we needed to replace them with quality, long lasting buildings that are easier to maintain and will save utility costs.
Major repairs are needed in the elementary and high schools, the old gym and other OISD property (such as the tennis courts). These repairs are substantive and necessary to ensure the lifespan of these buildings and to keep our students safe.
The total cost to taxpayers for BOTH the bond and levy will be $1.33 per $1000 of assessed property value. $1.33 is one of the lowest combined tax rates in the state. It is LESS than what taxpayers were paying on Orcas for a bond and levy in 1996.
The school board is extremely conscious of the economic times in which we live. It is committed to using the bond to stimulate the local economy by having as much construction as possible done by local builders.
The scope of this bond has been discussed in public meetings since 2006. Over four years, the board has weighed numerous options and has come to consensus on the parameters and cost of the project. It has selected Mahlum, experienced architects with an outstanding record of cost estimation to design the project. We have heard the community’s desire for enduring, low maintenance, energy-saving buildings. We don’t want to build a “Taj Mahal.” We are asking for a bond that will provide our children with a safe, healthy and effective learning environment.
You will undoubtedly hear different opinions about the bond. If you want the facts, or have any questions, contact a board member, a school administrator, or go to: www.orcasislandschools.org. There are also two up-coming informational events: On Wednesday, Jan. 20, the PTSA is sponsoring a forum in the school library starting at 5:30 p.m. There will also be an Open House at the school from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 23, which will include a presentation and discussion about the bond, and a tour of facilities.
Please, before you vote – learn the facts about the levy and bond! Ballots are due Feb. 9.
<emScott Lancaster (ihsscott@rockisland.com), Janet Brownell, (maxdigger@centurytel.net), Tony Ghazel (tony@orcasit.com), Keith Whitaker (keith@bokubooks.com), and Chris Sutton (chriskate@gmail.com)
