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Enumclaw School District No. 216

Proposition No. 1
General Obligation Bonds - $103,000,000

The Board of Directors approved Resolution No. 1133 concerning this proposition for bonds. This proposition would authorize the District to construct a combined elementary school and early learning center to replace Byron Kibler Elementary and JJ Smith; enhance safety and security Districtwide; and make mechanical, electrical, plumbing and structural repairs and upgrades to District facilities, by issuing $103,000,000 of general obligation bonds maturing within 21 years; and to levy excess property taxes annually to repay the bonds, as described in Resolution No. 1133.

Should this proposition be approved?

 

Yes

No


Passage of Proposition 1 would allow Enumclaw School District to finance critical facility needs by issuing bonds. If voters approve this proposition, the District will use the bond proceeds to construct and equip a new combined elementary school and early learning center to replace Byron Kibler Elementary School and the Birth to Five Center at JJ Smith, enhance safety and security District-wide, and repair and upgrade existing mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and structural systems at all District facilities.

 

The $103,000,000 of general obligation bonds would mature within 21 years, and be repaid from annual excess property tax levies. If voters approve this proposition, the District expects to receive between $7,000,000 and $15,000,000 in OSPI-calculated state construction assistance funds. Any state construction assistance funds received would enable the District to use bond proceeds to complete additional needed District-wide upgrades and repairs.

 

The excess levy rate is estimated to be approximately $0.67 per $1,000 of assessed property value or, for a home with an assessed value of $600,000, approximately $402 per year ($33.50 per month). Homeowners who are 61 years or older or disabled, and who meet low-income requirements may qualify for a property tax exemption. For information regarding exemptions, call the King County Assessor at (206) 296-3920.

The district has been in need of replacing the aging Kibler and Early Learning Center for years. As a parent of students at Kibler I see the state that these schools are in that often the voters are unaware of.

 

Let me shed some light on what it is like for a student at both Kibler and ELC. When it rains you will find garbage cans lining the halls and in classrooms collecting rain water. In the winter students need to bundle up to stay warm from the draft. In the hot months students sit in dark classrooms as the temperature soars into the 80’s.

 

The opposition often talks about test scores and how that should be what the district focuses on. It is incredibly hard to focus in a classroom when you are physically unable. Test scores reflect the learning environment. A Yes vote will provide learning spaces that will allow students to grow and reach their full potential. 

 

The need for a new building will not change but the rising cost to build one will. The longer it takes move forward the more expensive it becomes. Fiscal responsibility would be a Yes vote.

 

Submitted by: Jennifer Wallin, jenwilson49@hotmail.com

 

This Bond is being rushed to voters just 10 months after the last Bond failed with 75% of voters rejecting the proposal. Instead of looking at alternatives to building a new school, the Enumclaw School District Board approved a $103 million Bond proposal that includes $90 million for one new school. With high interest rates, taxpayers will have to also pay an estimated additional $60 million for just bond interest for a total price tag of $163 million.

 

No price tag was attached to options in ESD’s community survey, nor was there an option for repairs versus new construction. Are there funds included in this bond to improve security in our schools? How long will taxpayers be paying for this bond? Another 20 years? This on top of the fact we are still paying on the bond from 2015.

 

Per pupil total annual expenditures are already above $20,000. Yet, test scores are abysmal with less than half of students meeting grade standards in math and science.  ESD is not being held accountable.

 

A new building does not necessarily equate to a good education. Currently, every election has measures that increase taxes.  Citizens are being taxed out of their homes.

 

Submitted by: Jessica Mccoy, Jeff Heckathorn, BondNo.com

This updated bond is based on the results of the community survey sent to every resident, as part of a multi-year bond effort.

 

The board considered modernization but selected a combined facility (two schools), as the most effective use of tax dollars. Information shared by the opposition is inaccurate. If you have questions or would like information about the bond, budget or student scores, I urge you to fact check and contact the district.

 

Submitted by: Jennifer Wallin, jenwilson49@hotmail.com

The Federal Reserve has been increasing interest rates to curb spending to tame high inflation. The ESD does not seem to understand this. They are not teaching math well let alone financial literacy. This is a financial belt-tightening time.

 

Local taxpayers are still paying for the previous bond and will be until 2034. Try staying within a budget please, ESD. Property taxpayers do not have limitless funds.

 

Submitted by: Jessica Mccoy, Jeff Heckathorn, BondNo.com

60% majority and minimum turnout of 40% of voters casting ballots in last general election (Washington Constitution, art. VII, sec. 2(b))

For questions about this measure, contact: Jessica McCartney, Director of Communications, (360) 802-7109, jessica_mccartney@enumclaw.wednet.edu

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