I make a difference
Raymond Central Bond Issue Fall 2009
No matter how flat you make a pancake it still has 2 sides. Here is a look at the other side of this project
I have been a strong supporter of improving the facilities at RC since I moved in the district over 30 years ago. My support has always been for projects that make the school system more efficient. The current plan lacks some necessary improvements to increase energy efficiency and reduce operating expense. Poor security and poor ADA access are also concerns. Cost is always a concern, looking at the total cost vs the expected life is a factor as well.
Trying to renovate and reuse the 50 year old BARRACKS is unacceptable. After spending 10 million on the project we still have to use the 2 buildings on the west with 50 year old inefficient heating systems, and no insulation. The energy waste from this will be a sizeable amount over the 20+ year life of the bonds. The part that gets the addition has deterioration of the exterior block walls that according to the plan will get metal panels to cover the crumbling walls? I guess the idea is to hide the building disintegrating behind the inexpensive paneling. How long will that last? The access to the chairlift is just 12 inches from the stairs which is a serious accident waiting to happen.
The 4th gym is a highly controversial luxury item. Results from a professional survey of district patrons conducted in 2008 show only 2% support adding another gym. Many patrons refer to the gym as a “Deal Breaker” for the bond issue. The need has been justified by suggesting that class sizes are too large and practices are scheduled early in the morning before school hours. The administration verified they DO NOT schedule practice times before school. A sophomore student verified in the 4 years at the high school the PE class size was never that large, with around 30 total students in the gym during class. This specialized space will add unnecessary overhead and maintenance which will reduce the budget available for educational programs.
Tax Impact is projected to be $0.16 per $100 in valuation. The loan structure is a hybrid having a lower increase until the elementary bonds are paid off, then a portion of the elementary levy would drop off until the bonds are paid off. It’s a slippery slope here. You either pay more up front with less interest or a smaller increase with more interest expense. How much is acceptable for the bond fund? The current levy is $1.22 with a lid of $1.05 for an approximate 16% of the levy necessary for bond repayment. Add the $0.16 to that and it jumps to 31%. The total cost projected for the 10 million project at the end of the 20+ years is between 16 and 17 Million!
20+ years, 16.5 million spent and we have a metal gym, Barracks buildings, and empty pockets to show for it. I cannot support this plan in good faith knowing that we can easily make some changes that increase the efficiency, safety, ADA access, and give us a return on our investment. Unfortunately the only way to make any changes now is to vote against the bond and work on a better solution to the facilities needs at Raymond Central
Eldon McFarling
I have been a strong supporter of improving the facilities at RC since I moved in the district over 30 years ago. My support has always been for projects that make the school system more efficient. The current plan lacks some necessary improvements to increase energy efficiency and reduce operating expense. Poor security and poor ADA access are also concerns. Cost is always a concern, looking at the total cost vs the expected life is a factor as well.
Trying to renovate and reuse the 50 year old BARRACKS is unacceptable. After spending 10 million on the project we still have to use the 2 buildings on the west with 50 year old inefficient heating systems, and no insulation. The energy waste from this will be a sizeable amount over the 20+ year life of the bonds. The part that gets the addition has deterioration of the exterior block walls that according to the plan will get metal panels to cover the crumbling walls? I guess the idea is to hide the building disintegrating behind the inexpensive paneling. How long will that last? The access to the chairlift is just 12 inches from the stairs which is a serious accident waiting to happen.
The 4th gym is a highly controversial luxury item. Results from a professional survey of district patrons conducted in 2008 show only 2% support adding another gym. Many patrons refer to the gym as a “Deal Breaker” for the bond issue. The need has been justified by suggesting that class sizes are too large and practices are scheduled early in the morning before school hours. The administration verified they DO NOT schedule practice times before school. A sophomore student verified in the 4 years at the high school the PE class size was never that large, with around 30 total students in the gym during class. This specialized space will add unnecessary overhead and maintenance which will reduce the budget available for educational programs.
Tax Impact is projected to be $0.16 per $100 in valuation. The loan structure is a hybrid having a lower increase until the elementary bonds are paid off, then a portion of the elementary levy would drop off until the bonds are paid off. It’s a slippery slope here. You either pay more up front with less interest or a smaller increase with more interest expense. How much is acceptable for the bond fund? The current levy is $1.22 with a lid of $1.05 for an approximate 16% of the levy necessary for bond repayment. Add the $0.16 to that and it jumps to 31%. The total cost projected for the 10 million project at the end of the 20+ years is between 16 and 17 Million!
20+ years, 16.5 million spent and we have a metal gym, Barracks buildings, and empty pockets to show for it. I cannot support this plan in good faith knowing that we can easily make some changes that increase the efficiency, safety, ADA access, and give us a return on our investment. Unfortunately the only way to make any changes now is to vote against the bond and work on a better solution to the facilities needs at Raymond Central
Eldon McFarling
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