Once again it is my pleasure to report to you, citizens of the Marysville School District, the exciting work taking place in our district to build new schools, enhance existing facilities, and plan for the future. Much has taken place in the past year, most notable the opening of Grove Elementary serving approximately 500 students. Community comments suggest a high degree of approval for the appearance of the building and appreciation for completing the project on time and under budget. The Oversight Committee is particularly proud of the latter, as these matters are the main reason we volunteer our time and the committee's most important charge.

Members of the committee have met a total of twenty times since its inception in 2006. The committee is made up of eight community members with expertise in construction, finance, permitting, and/or development. Current committee members include Dean Ledford, Bob Banks, Steve Muller, John Dorcas, Glen Gobin, Corinne Diteman and Daryn Bundy

In addition to analyzing financial and construction staff reports, members of the committee have participated in groundbreaking ceremonies, dedications, special recognition ceremonies, and facility/site tours. It is a privilege to chair a committee with so many dedicated members, all of whom gladly donate their time to ensure the very best for Marysville School District and to deliver on the promises made to our community. I am pleased to report success in all areas, without exception.

A little over three years ago voters in Marysville School District sent a different message: we approve of a proposed $118.2 million bond. This is a message district officials and citizen supporters waited considerable time to experience--over sixteen years to be exact! Their commitment long before the bond ever passed was to do everything possible to ensure a successful bond would be fully realized, no matter what the unknown challenges.

As chair of the Oversight Committee, I and my fellow committee members pledge to you, our voting public, all bond funds expended to date have been used for the sole purposes intended. Futhermore, district officials have effectively maximized your tax dollars to obtain the greatest benefit possible, even in the face of unprecedented economic times.

Our community is already enjoying the benefit of your support from 2006 and should be looking on with great anticipation of the work still underway. As superintendent Dr. Nyland has frequently said, "Together we can grow our greatness."

Our greatness is the knowledge that we, as a community, are improving our children's learning environments, creating positive image as a leading-edge district, promoting a healthy economic base, and taking responsible steps for generations to come.

Chris Nation, Chair, Marysville Oversight Committee



Marysville's Bond Dollars at Work

Construction:

Grove Elementary -

Opened One Year Early

Total Funds Available $22Million - Actual Cost $19,467,970

Total Change Orders Limited to Less Than 2.5% of Budget

Marysville Getchell High School -

On Schedule to Open Sometime 2010, One Year Early

Total Funds Available $96 Million - Estimated Cost $92.6Million

Through strategic bid packaging, aggressive value engineering, and responsiveness to market fluctuations, significant cost savings have been realized from initial cost estimates.





Technology:

* 1,100 classroom computers configured and delivered by the end of 2008-2009 School Year

* 80 document cameras for classroom use

* 72 LCD projectors to be installed

* Implementation of district wide wireless system progressing



Land:

* Expended $7,887,193 for land purchases to support district's long range plan for 30% future growth.



Health, Safety and Infrastructure:

* Over $3million expended to date.

* Significant power upgrades scheduled for coming summer.

* District wide food service freezer nearly complete.



Planning for the Future

* Oversight endorsement and Board approval for use of available bond dollars for pre bond planning and land acquisition.

* Contracted architects to develop educational specifications for MPHS.

* Contracted architects to conduct building condition studies for Cascade, Liberty, Marysville Middle School, and MPHS.

* Purchased 41 acres adjacent to Getchell site for future use.

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