Richland School District needs cash
RICHLAND, Wash. - A proposal for a construction bond and capital levy will be decided by voters in Richland.
Rick Jansons, school board president said, "We need to get the most critical projects done as quickly and cheaply as possible."
In this case, the district wants $85 million dollars for the bond and levy combined. Money administrators say would pay to build new schools to accommodate the growing student population.
"Part of the plan is to make sure the community first understands the need and second we prioritize those needs so we don't go out and ask for too much," he said.
A large plot of land currently being farmed in West Richland is owned by the school district. It is the future home of one of the new elementary schools that will be built in this area
Administrators are resorting to a tactic that's not common for building new schools. However, they say it minimizes the burden on the public.
"Most districts don't do capital levies, they do bonds because it's easier to understand. The payback is a longer period so the tax rates stay lower but we are looking at which would make the most sense for the community," said Jansons.
But, does the district have a backup plan if voters reject the bond and levy?
The district will have to make the case for the community to make their judgment. They are actively asking residents to come in and talk with us about this."
The district hopes saving taxpayers $1.1 million last week by refinancing old bonds cleared the way to ask for more funding.
Rick Jansons, school board president said, "We need to get the most critical projects done as quickly and cheaply as possible."
In this case, the district wants $85 million dollars for the bond and levy combined. Money administrators say would pay to build new schools to accommodate the growing student population.
"Part of the plan is to make sure the community first understands the need and second we prioritize those needs so we don't go out and ask for too much," he said.
A large plot of land currently being farmed in West Richland is owned by the school district. It is the future home of one of the new elementary schools that will be built in this area
Administrators are resorting to a tactic that's not common for building new schools. However, they say it minimizes the burden on the public.
"Most districts don't do capital levies, they do bonds because it's easier to understand. The payback is a longer period so the tax rates stay lower but we are looking at which would make the most sense for the community," said Jansons.
But, does the district have a backup plan if voters reject the bond and levy?
The district will have to make the case for the community to make their judgment. They are actively asking residents to come in and talk with us about this."
The district hopes saving taxpayers $1.1 million last week by refinancing old bonds cleared the way to ask for more funding.
