Marysville Globe staff
MARYSVILLE — Lack of communication was the No. 1 reason voters decided against the $230 million Marysville School District bond in April.
That was the conclusion reached after three public forums hosted by the Marysville School District. Spokeswoman Emily Wicks last week shared the results with the school board.
The goal of the forums was to gather input on why the bond measure failed. It received a 50.5 percent “yes” vote. It needed 60 percent to pass.
About 50 people attended the three-hour sessions and gave feedback at five stations.
Station 1 was called “My Vote.” The reason most people said they voted against the measure was a lack of communication. Others said the schools are not properly maintained, and the third reason given was the school district is not responsible with tax money.
School Board President Pete Lundberg said that respondents not trusting them is “based on a feeling” more than fact. Some people don’t know the difference between a bond and a levy, he said.
Those who responded in favor of the bond said they did so because the schools are old and unsafe, they want to make the community look nicer, and they want better academics.
Station 2 was called “Our Vote.” Participants speculated why others voted for or against the bond measure. Again, reasons included people believing the district is not fiscally responsible, a lack of communication and too many taxes.
At Station 3, called “Our Community,” people were asked what they like and don’t like about Marysville. Things respondents like include: parks, festivals, small community, involved staff and small learning communities.
What they don’t like included parents not being involved, retirees voting against schools, and crime.
“Our District” was Station 4. Answers included: The district needs to improve communication and building maintenance.
As for what it does well, answers included student and staff support. For areas it is improving, the top answer was academics.
Station 5 asked what “Our Priorities” should be. No. 1 on the list was replacing Liberty Elementary School with 21 percent of the vote. Tied for second were Cascade Elementary and Marysville Pilchuck High School, both at 13 percent.
Close behind with 12 percent was Marysville Middle School. Far back was a new middle school in north Marysville at 3 percent.
“It was difficult to decide what to do,” Wicks said. “There’s so much need.”
A similar questionnaire is planned online.
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