Timing Is Right!

People have commented that this is a bad time for Lincoln County School District to pass a bond measure. The truth is, the timing couldn't be better!
Low interest rates, competitive pricing among contractors, availability of federal stimulus from the Qualified School Construction Bond program that will lower bond interest rates, saving taxpayers around $9.4 MILLION over the 15-year life of the bond? That's HUGE! 

The needs aren't diminishing, the buildings are getting older, construction will never be cheaper.... When you know the facts, it's hard to argue against passage of the bond measure! 

Concerning west area bus parking

We had a comment asking about West Area bus parking....and the answer is:

 

No, a West Area bus parking lot is not included among the proposed bond projects.

 

As a bit of background, LCSD contracts its transporation services through Mid Columbia Bus Co. School buses serving West Area schools had been parked at the former Yaquina View School site in Newport for the past couple of school years. School District and Mid-Columbia Bus officials have worked with neighbors to address concerns about noise associated with the daily arrival and departure of schools buses, but neighbors were not satisfied with the solution.

 

So, as of March 30, West Area buses are now being parked at the school district's Burgess Facility in Toledo. This adds approximately $34,000 to the cost of transporting West Area students (as reflected in additional labor and fuel costs to cover the additional miles and time between Yaquina View and Burgess).

 

School District administrators are researching possible locations for a West Area bus parking that would include a restroom, work space, and computer access for bus drivers.

Some information to start the conversation

Lincoln County School District understands the importance of protecting the community’s dollar investment in school buildings and infrastructure through renovation projects at all schools, when appropriate and necessary.

After months of researching, planning and working closely with community members, school staff, engineers, architects and others, the School District has identified several priority projects to ensure that the county’s public schools are safe and continue to promote quality learning for current and future students.

The proposed bond would provide funds for School Construction, School Improvements, and Safety Improvements, as follows:

• Remove 39 portable classroom buildings that are unsafe and past their useful life – projects at Newport Prep Academy, Newport High, Oceanlake Elementary, Taft Elementary, Toledo Elementary, Toledo Jr./Sr. High, and Waldport High.
• Build and/or remodel classrooms and instructional space to meet future academic and technology requirements as more than half of district school buildings are between 53 and 61 years old –projects at Newport Prep Academy, Newport High, Oceanlake Elementary, Sam Case Primary, Taft Elementary, Toledo Elementary, and Toledo Jr./Sr. High.
• Consolidate educational resources by relocating Waldport High, which is vulnerable to tsunami, earthquake and flood, to a safer location adjacent to the existing Crestview Heights School.
• Make athletic field improvements for more efficient maintenance and regular, year-round use by students and community members – projects at Newport, Taft, Toledo, and Waldport high schools.
• Upgrade or renovate heating/ventilation, plumbing and electrical systems to improve efficiency and reduce operating costs – projects at all schools.
• Make site and building improvements – projects at many schools including roof replacement at Taft High.
• Make disability access and safety improvements – projects at all schools.

Same or Lower Taxes:

It is estimated that the bond measure would cost the taxpayer approximately 72 cents per $1,000 of assessed value each year. The actual rate would vary depending upon interest rates, assessed value growth and other factors. Taxpayers currently pay 75 cents per $1,000 of assessed value on bonds that mature in 2012, so there will be no overlapping of bond levies.

Lower Borrowing:

The School District has been authorized to sell $15 million worth of bonds at a greatly reduced interest rate through the federal Qualified School Construction Bond program; this significantly reduces the cost of borrowing, which is reflected in a lower property tax rate. If the bond is not approved, the School District will not be able to participate in the QSCB program this year and would have to reapply.

Local Job Creation:School improvement projects will spur economic reinvestment in local communities by using local subcontractors wherever possible as allowed by law.  

Continued Citizen Involvement:Community members have been involved in the current school renovation process since the beginning, and will continue to be involved through a volunteer Citizens’ Oversight Committee. The committee will periodically review progress on project improvements, and consider and recommend project modifications to account for decreases or increases in construction costs.

Welcome to our New Blog

This is an informational blog about the upcoming Bond Measure proposed by Lincoln County School District (Oregon).