Ashland School District Bond Recommendation Jim Westrick and Eric Strong BOE representatives to the bond committee
Why a y a Bon ond? • Oregon is one of six states that does not provide funding for capital projects for K-12 schools • Limited matching grants are available – if a district passes a bond measure – and based state ranking list. (Ashland is currently on a wait list.) • A bond funds new construction and major repairs to keep schools healthy, safe, and energy efficient. • Bond proceeds must be used only for capital projects – not salaries, textbooks, class size, PERS, etc.
Compreh ehen ensive P e Public Process • Facilities Committee (March 2016 – July 2017) • Commissioned facilities assessment • Reviewed engineering and seismic reports • Bond Committee (July 2017 – May 2018) • 20+ members from wide cross-section of Ashland community • Critical Input Considered • Surveys and feedback from ASD staff and leadership team • ASD maintenance and operations staff • Engineering and seismic evaluations • Demographer report • Three public forums for Ashland community
FISCA CALL LLY RE RESPONSIBLE BLE A penny saved is a penny earned. • Interest rates are at historic lows. We get more “bang for our buck” now more than ever. • If we wait to fix bigger issues, it will ultimately cost taxpayers more, as some buildings continue to deteriorate. • Bond is designed to keep the tax rate at or below the same target as the last 20+ years. • If passed, the 2018 bond would pick up where the 2006 bond left off.
PROACTI TIVE VE A stitch in time saves nine. • Investing in our facilities now saves more money later • Reducing yearly operational and maintenance costs more resources for kids • Opportunity to conserve energy and reduce carbon footprint (which saves money, too!) • Bond would position the district to better address anticipated needs in coming decades • Allows district to execute long range plan for facilities
ALIGNS W WITH TH ASHLAND VAL ALUES Empowering students to be lifelong learners, responsible citizens and stewards of the world. • All students deserve a safe school, seismically prepared for earthquake protection • All students deserve to learn in a comfortable climate with clean air • All students deserve a learning environment where they can thrive
We have a responsibility to maintain and care for taxpayer-owned buildings and facilities…to keep operating costs reasonable…to provide for the health and safety for our students and staff ...and to continue to provide a world-class education for all our students.
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