Board OKs school bond language
Published 9:00 pm Wednesday, December 8, 2004
LAKE STEVENS – Lake Stevens School Board members on Wednesday formally approved ballot language for a $65.5 million bond issue to build a junior high school and modernize other facilities.
The proposal would cost the owner of a $200,000 home about $72 a year. An election is set for Feb. 8.
Overall, the proposal is higher than previous estimates, reflecting less help from the state. Administrators cut their estimate of state assistance by more than $10 million, saying they are concerned about a possible change in the formula for school construction matching funds.
That doesn’t mean the state money will be lower, however.
And if the dollars come in at previous estimates, the extra money would go toward other capital projects such as expanding the bus facility and buying property.
If the extra funds come in, “I would hope you hold public meetings on what you would do with those funds,” parent Mark Wakefield said.
Even with local taxpayers shouldering more of the cost, the district still would be $8.6 million short of covering project expenses under its latest estimates. The district would draw from its existing capital fund, if needed.
Included in the proposal:
* $59.4 million to build a new eighth- and ninth-grade school to open in fall 2007 and later be converted into a second high school.
* $23.5 million to modernize the district’s three oldest elementary schools, Hillcrest, Mount Pilchuck and Sunnycrest.
* $5.3 million to modernize the high school commons.
* $3.4 million to modernize the high school stadium.
“It’s a hard decision to make, but I really feel this community pulls together for kids,” said Mari Taylor, the school board president.
Reporter Melissa Slager: 425-339-3465 or mslager@heraldnet.com.
