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Proposition No. 1
Submitted by Bethel School District No. 403
BETHEL SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT BONDS - $65,000,000
Official Ballot Title:
To construct and equip a new high school and junior high, acquire sites and portables, make safety, athletic facility, roofing and other improvements, and use state matching funds to modernize Spanaway Junior/Thompson Elementary, shall Bethel School District #403 issue $65,000,000 of general obligation bonds maturing within a maximum term of 20 years, and shall annual property tax levies in addition to regular tax levies be authorized to repay such bonds, as Resolution #15 (99-00) provides?
Explanatory Statement:
Bethel School District is requesting approval of a capital improvements bond measure. This measure would provide for the construction and equipping of a new high school and a new junior high school on sites already owned by the District. The junior high school would open in September, 2002 and the high school in September, 2005. The bond measure and state matching funds derived from the construction of the two new schools will allow for the major modernization of Spanaway Junior High and Thompson Elementary. In addition, the bond measure and state matching funds would provide for the acquisition of new school sites and portable classrooms, as well as improvements at schools throughout the District including heating, ventilation, air conditioning and electrical systems, roof and carpet replacement and school safety improvements. Bonds totaling $65 million would be issued and be repaid from annual tax levies over 20 years at an estimated rate of $0.75 per $1,000 of assessed valuation. State matching funds attributable to these projects will generate approximately $27 million in additional funds to pay a portion of the costs of the projects listed above.
Statement For:
Bond Priorities: Student Safety and Health
Every project deals directly with the highest priority issues facing our children: safety, health, overcrowding, older schools needing improvements. We urged the district to run the bond again because these projects are absolutely necessary. Changes to secondary school calendars or schedules are temporary solutions causing more school wear and tear, increased costs and can hurt learning and programs.
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Design Capacities |
Current Enrollment |
| Junior High Schools: |
2905 |
3712 |
| High Schools: |
2564 |
3165 |
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No Empty Classrooms
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A Wise Investment
This $65 million bond will bring an additional $27 million in state matching funds. Qualified senior citizens are exempt from taxes resulting from the bond. Community Input
A 41 member Citizens' Advisory Committee recommended this bond. District staff provided information but were non-voting members. This is a citizens-driven bond.
Community Support Needed
Please support our children with the safe and healthy schools they deserve. Join us in voting "Yes" on May 16.
Statement prepared by : Shanon Nokes, John Briehl and Sue Gallagher
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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