Bond results disappointing for Marysville schools
Published on Wed, Feb 24, 2010 by Beckye RandallRead More Schools
In the aftermath of the February 9 vote, Marysville School District officials and supporters are scratching their collective heads to figure out why voters turned down a bond measure that would have replaced three aging schools and lowered taxes at the same time.
"We're very grateful that voters approved the levy," said superintendent Dr. Larry Nyland. "That passed by a fairly large margin-just over 57 percent."
A simple majority was required for passage of the operations levy, which was replacing an expiring levy.
However, the $78 million bond to finance construction of three new schools didn't fare as well. The measure needed a supermajority, or 60 percent "yes" votes, and it only garnered about 53 percent approval.
"We're not sure if the vote was a result of the uncertain economic times, or if we just didn't communicate our message well enough," said Nyland. "This was an opportunity to take advantage of lower construction costs and favorable interest rates to save the taxpayers money on the replacement of these three schools. If we delay building, we'll be looking at higher costs down the road."
The bond would have financed construction of new facilities for Liberty and Cascade elementary schools, built to the specifications of the Grove Elementary plan, as well as Marysville Middle School. The construction projects would create local jobs while saving taxpayers $10 to $20 million in costs.
"Voters have said no to Cascade and Liberty three times now," Nyland continued. "Both these schools are 60 years old."
At a February 18 meeting of the Citizens for Marysville Schools campaign committee, members recommended resubmitting the bond measure, with "significant reductions," for an April 27 vote.
The district's School Board has until March 11 to decide if they will go back to the voters.
The committee identified several options for a ballot measure, if the board decides to try again. Option A is the resubmit the bond without changes, making efforts to inform voters that approval of the $78 million bond will lower property taxes by an average of $48 per year.
Six additional options are on the table. The board might decide to only address the needs of two of the three schools, or even ask for the replacement of only one of the aging buildings, or delay running a new bond measure until 2011.
"We're very grateful that voters approved the levy," said superintendent Dr. Larry Nyland. "That passed by a fairly large margin-just over 57 percent."
A simple majority was required for passage of the operations levy, which was replacing an expiring levy.
However, the $78 million bond to finance construction of three new schools didn't fare as well. The measure needed a supermajority, or 60 percent "yes" votes, and it only garnered about 53 percent approval.
"We're not sure if the vote was a result of the uncertain economic times, or if we just didn't communicate our message well enough," said Nyland. "This was an opportunity to take advantage of lower construction costs and favorable interest rates to save the taxpayers money on the replacement of these three schools. If we delay building, we'll be looking at higher costs down the road."
The bond would have financed construction of new facilities for Liberty and Cascade elementary schools, built to the specifications of the Grove Elementary plan, as well as Marysville Middle School. The construction projects would create local jobs while saving taxpayers $10 to $20 million in costs.
"Voters have said no to Cascade and Liberty three times now," Nyland continued. "Both these schools are 60 years old."
At a February 18 meeting of the Citizens for Marysville Schools campaign committee, members recommended resubmitting the bond measure, with "significant reductions," for an April 27 vote.
The district's School Board has until March 11 to decide if they will go back to the voters.
The committee identified several options for a ballot measure, if the board decides to try again. Option A is the resubmit the bond without changes, making efforts to inform voters that approval of the $78 million bond will lower property taxes by an average of $48 per year.
Six additional options are on the table. The board might decide to only address the needs of two of the three schools, or even ask for the replacement of only one of the aging buildings, or delay running a new bond measure until 2011.
Do you know an outstanding local student?
We need your help to profile exceptional local teens in the Student Spotlight feature.Send us your suggestions for young people who are making a difference in the community, their church or at school, those with unusual hobbies or talents, the students who excel at academics or athletics. We want to shine a spotlight on their achievements!
Contact North County Outlook at editor@northcountyoutlook.com
or phone North County Outlook at
(360) 659-1100.
or phone North County Outlook at
(360) 659-1100.
