By Stephen Floyd
Officials with the Mt. Angel School District say a $7 million bond measure is about improving critical infrastructure rather than giving buildings a facelift.
It’s about needs, not wants, plus a one-time state-sponsored opportunity to get $11 million in repairs with a $7 million bond. School Board Chair Shari Riedman said the new bond is for improvements of “utmost importance.”
“We have systems in our buildings to keep (students) heated and dry, and those systems are reaching their end of life cycle,” said Riedman. “Regardless of what maintenance we do on those systems they’re going to need to be replaced and overhauled.”
Those repairs include replacing or repairing the HVAC systems at each of the schools, estimated to cost roughly $2 million per school. At Mt. Angel Middle School the boiler is over 50 years old.
The bond will appear on the ballot for the May 16 election.
If passed, the new bond would be paired with a $4 million state grant as part of a program to encourage bond support in smaller districts. Riedman said this is an additional reason to support the bond, as the state grant will not be available if the measure does not pass.
“We’re taking advantage of every funding source we can,” she said.
Additional “must dos” on the district’s list include plumbing and electrical repairs at each school, plus security upgrades to school entryways and each classroom.
The entire school-by-school project list along with estimated costs can be found at www.masd91.org by clicking on the Facility/Bond Info button.
District Business Manager Kristi Brackinreed said it is unlikely the district would be able to fund these system repairs and upgrades without a bond, noting the entire budget for regular repairs and maintenance this year is $400,000.
The district is holding public tours at each school to explain the proposed projects and answer questions. For details see info box at left.
If passed, the bond would increase property taxes by a projected $1.12 per thousand dollars of assessed value for the first eight years, then property owners would see their total assessment for the district drop with the retirement of a $10 million bond passed in 2013.
Superintendent Rachel Stuckey said the proposed improvements represent the bare bones of what the district believes is necessary for student well-being.
“This is not about wants,” said Stuckey. “This bond is entirely different in that it’s about needs…We need our kids to be safe, warm and dry.”
See for yourself – school tours
Mt. Angel Middle School
460 E. Marquam St. – meet in gym
Tuesday, April 25, 6 – 7 p.m.
St. Mary’s Public School
590 E. College Ave. – meet in gym
Wednesday, April 26, 6 – 7 p.m.
Kennedy High School
590 E. Marquam – meet in Commons area
Thursday, April 27, 6 – 7 p.m.
Tours will be conducted by the school principals and the district maintenance director.
