More schools on the ballot, but will voters check yes?
»Play Video
TRI-CITIES, Wash. -- Tight hallways, full classrooms and kindergarteners being turned away. Our local schools are overcrowded. New schools could be in the future, if voters agree to pay for them.
John Cimmiyotti walked his daughter to the bus stop this morning. She just started first grade.
He says, "She's really excited."
His daughter laughs, "I'm excited about the bus."
John's more focused on what happens inside the classroom. John continues, "A lot of parents wanna have the best education for their kids."
So John was thrilled to hear Richland leaders approved a $130 million bond. If voters agree, $98 million of that cost would be paid in higher property taxes over the next decade.
So what's the cost for you?
Here's an example.. if the bond passes in Richland, an average home like this, worth about $200,000 will have the homeowner paying an additional 68 dollars on their property taxes. That cash will replace three existing schools, and build two brand new ones, including an elementary and middle school in south Richland.
John says, "This would be great for the city."
Pasco also needs to expanded. The district has tried to come up with out-of-the-box options to solve overcrowding. It's now prepping for a bond on the February ballot as well. Penny recently moved across town to Pasco and felt the status of the schools was a drawback.
Penny tells KEPR, "That was one of the reasons when we moved up here that I didn't put her there to begin with. Way too many kids."
Pasco's fighting for $46 million for 3 new schools. It's about half what Richland is asking taxpayers for, but property tax increases would be the same as in Richland. That doesn't matter to Penny.
She says, "$70 is a drop in the bucket for kids education and their future."
Knowing the last bond failed miserably, she hopes the next time will be different.
Penny says, "Now that they know more."
The decision from voters will come early next year.
John comments, "I know its a big deal right now about taxes, but if they're spent wisely people have no complaints."
We didn't forget about Kennewick. The district is still re-building schools after passing its own bond in 2009. It just finished a remodel of Sunset View and Westgate Elementary is next. Those higher taxes will last 15 years in all. Westgate Elementary is next on the list for repairs.
John Cimmiyotti walked his daughter to the bus stop this morning. She just started first grade.
He says, "She's really excited."
His daughter laughs, "I'm excited about the bus."
John's more focused on what happens inside the classroom. John continues, "A lot of parents wanna have the best education for their kids."
So John was thrilled to hear Richland leaders approved a $130 million bond. If voters agree, $98 million of that cost would be paid in higher property taxes over the next decade.
So what's the cost for you?
Here's an example.. if the bond passes in Richland, an average home like this, worth about $200,000 will have the homeowner paying an additional 68 dollars on their property taxes. That cash will replace three existing schools, and build two brand new ones, including an elementary and middle school in south Richland.
John says, "This would be great for the city."
Pasco also needs to expanded. The district has tried to come up with out-of-the-box options to solve overcrowding. It's now prepping for a bond on the February ballot as well. Penny recently moved across town to Pasco and felt the status of the schools was a drawback.
Penny tells KEPR, "That was one of the reasons when we moved up here that I didn't put her there to begin with. Way too many kids."
Pasco's fighting for $46 million for 3 new schools. It's about half what Richland is asking taxpayers for, but property tax increases would be the same as in Richland. That doesn't matter to Penny.
She says, "$70 is a drop in the bucket for kids education and their future."
Knowing the last bond failed miserably, she hopes the next time will be different.
Penny says, "Now that they know more."
The decision from voters will come early next year.
John comments, "I know its a big deal right now about taxes, but if they're spent wisely people have no complaints."
We didn't forget about Kennewick. The district is still re-building schools after passing its own bond in 2009. It just finished a remodel of Sunset View and Westgate Elementary is next. Those higher taxes will last 15 years in all. Westgate Elementary is next on the list for repairs.
