Based on my research, the proposed bond resolution gives little detail on each proposed project, and provides no guarantee that the whole wish list will be fulfilled, or that the state will actually provide its offsetting funds (only 27 percent). Print and carefully read the resolution, and decide if you will really get what you think is promised.
Marysville School District current debt: $2.7 million (2008); $57.9 million (2013); $8.9 million (2015). Add the resolution’s $230 million, it’s a snowball going downhill, getting bigger.
Washington Board of Education Index Rating Report 2014/15 shows Marysville and Marshall as Fair, Liberty, Allen Creek, Cascade and Grove schools are underperforming. Cedarcrest is a Focus School. See OSPI website for ratings and achievement index, a must read for all parents. I doubt that bonds funds will change these ratings much.
Proposed new schools on new sites are questionable; MSD owns seven undeveloped sites. Development on some sites are restricted due to wetlands, limited size, high utility costs or inappropriate locations. MSD also owns four sites of less than two acres. See MSD Capital Facilities Plan 2014-2019. This plan also shows a decreased enrollment of 1.04 percent, and student predictions beyond 2019 are highly speculative.
Raising the educational performance would be my priority. These bond issues should be given a decisive “no” vote, and MSD works harder to earn our support through realistic, prioritized, and transparent budgeting. I voted no, and encourage others to do the same.
Strauda Miller
Marysville
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