The March meeting included a discussion of a proposed bond for new school construction in the city of Walla Walla. The main concerns are first, Walla Walla residents already pay a significant property tax towards the school system, around 55% (about 18% goes to the state school fund, and 37% directly to School District #140, general funds and a bond). Second, the existing school system already has issues with deferred maintenance, as mentioned by several people, and as discussed in a study commissioned by the Walla Walla Public Schools in October 2010 (available for download here, but it is a VERY large file, so I recommend saving it to your drive, and THEN opening it).
The School District is considering putting a bond on a future ballot, as reported by the Union-Bulletin on 26 March 2011 (a subscription is required for the complete article, so I can't post it here, under "fair use"), possibly this November, or next spring. The bond is to renovate Wa-Hi for several facility needs. Tentatively, they are considering one of three bonds, for the amounts of $10 million, $25 million, or $45 million. A smaller bond would likely mean subsequent bonds.
This is later than originally planned, which was as early as this May. The delay is because "...more time is needed to conduct outreach in the community, and better illustrate the true needs of students at the high school," according to Superintendent Mick Miller. The board wants to "guage" community support for the three bond options, and more time "...to conduct outreach in the community, and better illustrate the true needs of students at the high school." The bond has to be timed with the renewal of the school maintenance and operations bond in 2012.
The results of a school survey, with the majority supporting facility improvements, are supposed to be available online , but I haven't found them yet, just the linked article.
This post is not intended as a definitive review of the bond, for or against it. Rather, this is the first of a series of posts presenting information to our group, and other interested parties, on just what this bond really means to the tax payers of Walla Walla. Higher taxes during tough times is not a good way to help any economic recovery.
Fiscal responsibility requires keeping a close eye on proposed bonds and their supporting taxes. And, unfortunately, school systems across the country have been as lax as other agencies in keeping up with the maintenance and operations of school facilities. There's no reason to think that Walla Walla is any different.
Further, the school board apparently planned to rush this bond through, but then decided to take more time to "conduct outreach in the community". If they mean "selling the bond to taxpayers", that means there is some doubt that the community actually supports the bond. Which means we should watch this very closely.
