April 2011 Bond Information

The Blaine School District Board of Directors has authorized the Superintendent to move forward with the necessary planning for presentation of a Capital Project Bond Initiative to voters.  The specific election date for this initiative will be April 26, 2011.  The proposal will total $32,000,000 and will include renovation and new construction for students at Blaine High School, necessary upgrades to five classrooms at Blaine Elementary School, enclosure of the covered play area at Blaine Primary School, renovation of space at Blaine Middle School in order to more effectively serve Special Education Program students, and the purchase of property for a potential future school site in the Birch Bay area.

 

If approved, it is estimated that the $32,000,000 total will add $.35 per $1000 of assessed valuation to existing bond indebtedness. This estimate was adjusted December 12, 2010 following propery re-valuation.

 

The proposed initiative has been scaled back from the $40,000,000 Capital Projects Bond which failed to gain voter approval in 2008.  With the exception of the desire to purchase property for a future school site, the $32,000,000 initiative will focus directly on urgent needs specific to instructional program space.   While upgrades and improvements to athletic fields and  non instructional facilities, such as the District transportation site, are also important, it is the consensus opinion of the Board that these improvements need to wait until we see overall improvement in the economy.  With that in mind, a proposed initiative for the upgrade of athletic and transportation facilities, as well as additional work at Blaine Elementary School, could be placed before voters in 2015, which coincides with the expiration of existing Bond debt.

 

Over the next few months the Blaine School District will endeavor to provide the public with a comprehensive level of detail specific to the proposed April 2011 initiative.  It is our goal to assure that our patrons cast their ballots based upon clear, concise and accurate information.  The Blaine School District is proud of the opportunities that are afforded to our students. The Board of Directors believes that the proposed initiative, if approved, will provide for the highest quality educational future for kids.  We look forward to discussing greater specifics with the community over the next few months.