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Proposition No. 1
Submitted by Fife School District No. 417
GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS – $35,000,000
Official Ballot Title:
For acquiring, constructing and equipping a new junior high school and a new elementary school, due to increased student enrollment, and making other capital improvements, shall Fife School District No. 417 issue $35,000,000 of general obligation bonds maturing within a maximum term of 20 years from date of issue and shall annual tax levies in excess of regular property tax levies be authorized to repay such bonds, all as provided in District Resolution No. 99-6?
Explanatory Statement:
On September 27, 1999 the School Board authorized a school construction bond for a new elementary and junior high school. This bond is an integral part of the district's long-range capital facility plan as approved by citizens, students, and staff, and will help meet the facility needs of our growing student population.
Currently, students occupy 19 portables, the equivalent of an elementary school. Student enrollment increased 6.5% over the past two years, and is expected to keep growing. Many new housing projects are currently in the planning/construction phase. Our ability to keep class size at a reasonable number as desired by the community is becoming more difficult due to lack of space.
Under the proposed $35,000,000 bond, taxpayers would pay an increase of approximately $1.24 per $1,000 of assessed valuation. To keep rates down, the district entered into a partnership with the City of Fife to acquire land and jointly share facilities for athletics, library, and parks. Additionally, the district is using prototype plans from other previously constructed schools. Interest earned during the course of construction will fund the district's instructional technology needs, thus eliminating the need for a technology levy.
Statement For:
Great educational opportunities attract more students.
The Fife-Milton School District has established itself as a district where families want their children to be educated. The resulting growth has filled all current school buildings as well as enough portable classrooms to fill another school. There are currently over 500 houses planned to be built within the district. It is anticipated that this growth will bring more than 600 new students into our schools.
Community based long range planning.
In 1996, 40 community members met for six months and developed this long-range plan for housing these students. Their plan is to build another elementary school for 600 students and junior high school for 750 students.
Partnership formed as a cost efficient measure to save you money.
We applaud the efforts of the School Board and the Fife City Council to form a partnership for the benefit of the entire community. Building the junior high on city owned property will save an estimated 3 to 5 million dollars in land costs. The school district will use existing building plans resulting in another 1.5 million dollars of savings in design fees. In addition, moving from a middle school concept to a junior high alignment will result in matching funds from the state in excess of $600,000.
Additional benefits for you and the community.
When completed, we will enjoy two new schools, a city-school district partnership with several new sports fields and family oriented recreational opportunities. Additionally, the School Board has indicated that all interest earned from this bond will be dedicated to keeping our schools current with technology advancements.
Please support this bond.
Statement prepared by : Jackie Kenyon, Steve Manske and Craig Taylor
Statement Against:
No statement was submitted against this issue.
This space is available each election for citizens and/or committees opposing measures to publish a
"Statement Against." For information, contact the Pierce County Auditor's Office at (253) 798-7430.
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