District Bonds Update
Posted by Gary O'Rielly
on Dec 06, 2015
Last weeks program was a presentation on the proposed Lake Stevens School District School Construction Bond which will be on the February 2016 ballot. Dr. Amy Beth Cook, Superintendent of the School District was accompanied by Rob Stanton, Executive Director of Operations, Jayme Taylor, Director of Communications, David Iseminger, Vice President, Lake Stevens School District Board of Directors and Abe Martinez, Citizens for Lake Stevens Schools. Dr. Cook has served in this District for over 34 years in a variety of capacities. She has been the Superintendent for four and a half years.
Lake Stevens has benefited from a top rated and superior education program through the leadership of Dr. Amy Beth Cook, her staff and the District Board of Directors. Our schools are serving more students than ever before and to maintain, upgrade and be prepared for the future, construction of a new elementary school and upgrades are always important to keep ahead of further expansion of the school system in Lake Stevens. The Elementary school population serves 3,959 students and the Secondary Schools serve 4,386 students.
Lake Stevens bio: In 2000, Lake Stevens was the 12th largest city in Snohomish County with a population of 6,361 people. In 2014, Lake Stevens became the fifth-largest city in the county with a population of 29,949 people. By 2035, the anticipated population will rise to 39,340 people. People choose Lake Stevens because of our schools. The purpose of the proposed bond issues is to: 1) alleviate elementary overcrowding; 2) support continued early learning; 3) replace and expand the high school's aging facilities to enhance learning opportunities; 4) upgrade safety and security throughout the district and 5) to make district-wide health, education and infrastructure improvements.
School Funding - Bond vs Levy: Bonds provide for buildings. Bonds fund the building and modernization of schools. Bonds are financed over a long period of time-typically 15 or 20 years. Bond dollars cannot pay for programs or day-to-day support and expenses. Levies provide for learning and the day-to-day operation of the schools which include classroom support, student programs, regular ongoing maintenance of the facilities, technology and transportation.
How Did the School District Get Here: They created a long-range district facility plan advisory committee with projects grouped by urgency. The recommendations were presented to the Board of Directors in March. The Board requested more information from a technical committee and created Option A and Option B. Then the community was asked to participate in a survey process. Survey participants overwhelmingly supported Project Option B because Option A was deemed a "Band-Aid-approach."
What Projects Are Included in the Bond: A new elementary School; a new Early Learning Center, Replacement and expansion of selected buildings at Lake Stevens High School to create a modernized campus; District-wide safety and security improvements and District-wide health, educational and infrastructure improvements. The new elementary school for grades K-5 will be designed for 550 students & include a large core spaces----cafeteria, gym, parking lot with the goal to be open in the 2017-18 school year. Elementary boundaries will change prior to the opening. An early learning center update is needed. The old alternative high school buildings are inappropriate for preschoolers and are aging. The new Early Learning Center will be for ages 3-5. Replace and expand selected buildings at Lake Stevens High School. A new academic and athletic building and new spaces for music and special education as well as improvements to the swimming pool and locker room. Plus replacement of heating, ventilation, roofing and electrical systems. Upgraded restroom facilities and finishes throughout the campus as well as system upgrades for campus security and emergency response and improvement to student parking, drop off and bus loading areas.
Estimated bond costs: A 20 year, $116 million bond in local funds; $30 million in state construction assistance funds with a total project of $146 million. The $116 million in local funds creates an increased rate of $1.21 per $1,000 of assessed value. The Bond vote requires 60% + 1 super majority to pass. To learn more about the Bond visit the School District's website.
Real Estate agents are always talking about the strength of the school system in Lake Stevens for new residents children's education needs. So, it important for Lake Stevens residents and voters to get out an vote for the School Bond issue on February 9, 2016. Thanks to our guests for providing us with the information to make an easy decision going forward.