How can the district have a bond election with no increase to the tax rate?

What’s proposed in the May 2018 bond referendum is different than what was proposed in 2017. There are fewer projects and the scope of the projects has been reduced, bringing the total bond amount down to $5,950,000. That’s $7,550,000 less than what was proposed in November 2017. At $5.95 million, the district can maintain the same tax rate because of increasing property values and by refinancing 2010 bonds to take advantage of lower interest rates. The district estimates it could potentially save $400,000 by refinancing existing bonds. 

What is a bond election?

Bond elections are called by school districts to ask voters for permission to sell bonds in order to obtain money required for capital projects such as renovations or building a new school. Essentially, when voters approve a bond election, they give the school district permission to take out a loan and pay that loan back over an extended period of time, much like a family takes out a mortgage for their home.

How can bond funds be used?

Bond funds can be used to pay for new buildings, additions and renovations to existing facilities, land acquisition, new buses, technology infrastructure and equipment for new or existing buildings. Bonds cannot be used for salaries or operating costs such as utility bills, supplies, building maintenance, fuel and insurance.

There is no stadium in this bond package. Are we still planning to have a high school football program?

Yes. The district plans to continue growing the football program and adding a grade level each year. In 2018-2019, we plan to have a 7^th grade team, an 8^th grade team and a sub-varsity team. We will begin competing in varsity football in the 2020-2021 school year. The teams will practice and play games on our existing field. The May 2018 bond package proposes to add spectator bleachers and lighting to the field, and to resurface the existing track.

What are the results of the May 2018 bond election?

The May 2018 bond election passed, with 77% of voters in favor of the referendum. In total, 286 voters cast a ballot FOR the bond, while 86 voted against it.