School Bond Initiative on November Ballot

On election day, residents of the St Paul School District will have the opportunity to vote on a proposed bond issue for improvements to the St Paul School.

Improvements included within the $4,695,000 project include additions to both the current elementary and secondary portions of the education facility and also include renovations to the existing space.

While the new bond levy is estimated to be 13.50 cents per $100 of valuation beginning in January 2010, district residents are currently paying 6.37 cents per $100 for a bond that will conclude in November 2009. Taken together the total increase in bond levy would be 7.13 cents.

For a $100,000 home:

Current School Bond Levy (6.37 cent): $63.70 Annual Tax

Proposed Increase of School Bond Levy (7.13 cent): $71.30 Annual Tax Increase
Assuming a District Tax Base of $271,997,336

Improvements Included in the Proposed Project

Elementary Addition

• 9,680 sq ft
• 5 Classrooms
• Principal Office and Work Spaces

High School Addition

• 12,720 sq ft
• 7 Classrooms
• Principal Office and Work Spaces

Existing Building Renovations

• Required Fire and Safety Code Improvements
• Asbestos Abatement
• Re-roof "New" Gym and Voc. Ag Shop
• Tuck point "old" high school building
• Electrical Upgrades

Opponents of the initiative believe that it does not make sense to increase the citizen's tax burden given the current status of the economic world, and that students, teachers, and administrators need to make do given these tough financial times.

Those in favor of the bond stress that there has not been academic space construction in 40 years and with the the numerous changes in curriculum and addition of computers, students and teachers are feeling the squeeze. Administrators also fear Nebraska Dept of Education student to teacher ratio guidelines for State Aid funding. With current guidelines, the school district would lose the State Aid funding if the kindergarten through third grade 20:1 student to teacher ratio is exceeded.

Proponents also believe that the improvements will provide the space necessary for possible future increases in the student population and point out that many of the existing building renovations listed are required by the State Fire Marshall and must be done regardless of the bond election.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 4th.

So St Paul, what do you think? What's your feedback?
Does St Paul need these school improvements?