Cheney schools bond deserves yes vote

In Our Opinion

 

Last updated 2/2/2017 at 8:59am



There are many reasons for voting “Yes” on the 2017 Cheney School District facilities bond this Feb. 14.

For starters, the $52 million price tag, $54.2 million before subtracting $2.2 million in unhoused student funding from the state. Yes, that is more than the $44.88 million the district tried twice to pass in 2015.

But if you’re comparing those numbers, you’re not comparing apples to apples. That 2015 bond was for work at the high school only.

To be accurate, you must subtract the $18.25 million for 25 more classrooms at elementary schools in Airway Heights, Windsor and Cheney. That figure also includes a new gym at Sunset Elementary and a new multipurpose room and kitchen at Windsor.

And, that money is paying for enhanced front entrance security at all three schools. Security extending beyond the current “Stop – check in at office” signs.

You would also need to subtract $500,000 for relocating Three Springs High School, $100,000 for a secure entrance at Salnave Elementary School and $250,000 to purchase land for a future school. If you subtract all this from the $54.2 million, then subtract the $2.2 million in unhoused student funding — which is only available because of conditions at the high school — the actual price of the high school work is $32.9 million.


So, $32.9 million vs. $44.88 million? Sounds like the district was listening when voters asked to reduce the high school price.

But in reality, you shouldn’t do any subtraction. That $52 million, if approved, is a plus for taxpayers.

It should accommodate projected growth over the next 10 years at all four facilities. It will bring students currently housed in portables back into their school buildings with better security — another good reason.


It will provide space for labs at the high school to meet new state science standards. It will provide a return of the vocational arts through a remodeled metal shop and greenhouse along with a new space for a wood shop.

And yes, it will provide a 500-seat auditorium, new weight, wrestling and sports practice rooms along with an open commons area replacing the seating portion of the current cafeteria. With the exception of the auditorium, all of the current facilities are inadequate to handle growth and in some cases, underutilized as constructed.

The auditorium would not only provide a fitting environment for Cheney’s award-winning music and up-and-coming drama programs — like similar facilities at West Valley, Central Valley, Mead and even Medical Lake school districts — but could offer vocational options through theater programs for stage lighting and audio production. And, they would be available for use by community groups.

Another reason we feel a yes vote is warranted is the process through which the facilities needs were arrived at. The school district undertook an extensive public input campaign, providing online comment abilities and a number of community meeting opportunities that were well publicized.

If you didn’t participate, frankly, maybe you didn’t try.

Of course, all of this comes with a commitment to pay for the improvements through an increase of 59 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value, bringing the total district bond and levy rate to $5.42/$1,000 through at least 2028. It’s a payment made by homeowners, renters and business owners and everybody should remember that fact.

Finally, we believe the district is committed to doing a better job at evaluation of sites and involving publics throughout the district when it comes to future schools. There are those in the district who rightfully feel they have been left out of that process, and we would encourage district officials and school board members to keep those lines of dialogue open.

Eventually, there should be a discussion about the geographical size, demographic make up and economic orientation of the Cheney School District and whether or not it is sustainable going forward.

Until that time and those discussions, there will be no perfect bond. The current proposal is a good one to address the needs of current circumstances — and it deserves a yes vote.

 

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