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WUSD responds to bond concerns
By Dr. Richard Rundhaug/wusd superintendent
I want to thank the community for their participation in the public meeting that took place on Aug. 19, where we discussed the upcoming bond election. In addition to this meeting, I have met with our staff and many community members regarding the upcoming bond election.
When the staff shared that they would like to see more funds allocated for classroom renovations, we responded and adjusted the projections to include more classroom renovations. Someone pointed out that some of the roofs at the middle school that leak were not included, we went back and made adjustments according to that suggestion. Some individuals have asked about office space at the high school, we will challenge architects to correct the operational deficiencies in the high school office without adding square footage.
Every suggestion made has been weighed out. In the weeks to come, we will have architects working to deliver possible drawings of what will be addressed after the sale of the first bond sale (the first sale would be about $7.5 million and would take place in April or May of 2011). As the architects work on that process, they will involve the public to establish priorities and collect input.
As I have met with many parents during the "Meet the Teacher" events, I have been very encouraged by those who have expressed the desire to see the school facilities improve. One of the questions that have come up has been, "What do you intend to do first?" With the information we currently have, here are the projects we would intend to begin working on soon after the $7.5 million bond issuance in next spring:
1. High School
A. Roofing
B. Classrooms remodel
C. Science Labs remodel
D. Remodel of existing restrooms
E. Reconfiguration/remodel of administration areas
F. Electrical system improvements
G. Safety and AIA compliance improvements to the athletic fields
H. Campus improvements (drainage, utilities, security, fire alarms)
2. Middle School
A. Remodel of restrooms
B. Campus improvements (drainage, utilities, security, fire alarms)
3. Elementary School
A. Bus drop off area
B. Remodel of restrooms
C. Small gym that would serve as an eating area and auditorium with school office attached
D. Campus improvements (drainage, utilities. Security, fire alarms)
4. District wide projects
A. Update computer network
B. Purchase 200 new computers
C. Repair the roof on the transportation center
For the average homeowner, approval of the bond election will cost, with conservative projections, about $6.22 per month. Property owners should note that there has been a significant drop in property taxes related to the schools since 2006 and there has been a slight decrease in the last year. Should the bond be approved, property taxes would begin to increase in August of 2011.
We intend to send out a DVD with the next Lariat showing the conditions of the school and provide answers to a complete list of questions that have been asked of administrators and board members. Please look for that issue of the Lariat around the time of end of the first quarter of school. We also plan to hold another public meeting near the end of October where we hope to present some drawings prepared by architects.
When the staff shared that they would like to see more funds allocated for classroom renovations, we responded and adjusted the projections to include more classroom renovations. Someone pointed out that some of the roofs at the middle school that leak were not included, we went back and made adjustments according to that suggestion. Some individuals have asked about office space at the high school, we will challenge architects to correct the operational deficiencies in the high school office without adding square footage.
Every suggestion made has been weighed out. In the weeks to come, we will have architects working to deliver possible drawings of what will be addressed after the sale of the first bond sale (the first sale would be about $7.5 million and would take place in April or May of 2011). As the architects work on that process, they will involve the public to establish priorities and collect input.
As I have met with many parents during the "Meet the Teacher" events, I have been very encouraged by those who have expressed the desire to see the school facilities improve. One of the questions that have come up has been, "What do you intend to do first?" With the information we currently have, here are the projects we would intend to begin working on soon after the $7.5 million bond issuance in next spring:
1. High School
A. Roofing
B. Classrooms remodel
C. Science Labs remodel
D. Remodel of existing restrooms
E. Reconfiguration/remodel of administration areas
F. Electrical system improvements
G. Safety and AIA compliance improvements to the athletic fields
H. Campus improvements (drainage, utilities, security, fire alarms)
2. Middle School
A. Remodel of restrooms
B. Campus improvements (drainage, utilities, security, fire alarms)
3. Elementary School
A. Bus drop off area
B. Remodel of restrooms
C. Small gym that would serve as an eating area and auditorium with school office attached
D. Campus improvements (drainage, utilities. Security, fire alarms)
4. District wide projects
A. Update computer network
B. Purchase 200 new computers
C. Repair the roof on the transportation center
For the average homeowner, approval of the bond election will cost, with conservative projections, about $6.22 per month. Property owners should note that there has been a significant drop in property taxes related to the schools since 2006 and there has been a slight decrease in the last year. Should the bond be approved, property taxes would begin to increase in August of 2011.
We intend to send out a DVD with the next Lariat showing the conditions of the school and provide answers to a complete list of questions that have been asked of administrators and board members. Please look for that issue of the Lariat around the time of end of the first quarter of school. We also plan to hold another public meeting near the end of October where we hope to present some drawings prepared by architects.
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Kathy wrote on Sep 2, 2010 10:58 AM: