Banks Schools face a number of issues as result of:
• Aging junior high/high school facilities that do not meet current building safety standards and codes;
• Facilities that are not energy efficient;
• Inadequate facilities that do not support new graduation requirements.
According to recent engineering studies, sections of the junior high school building, constructed in the 1950s, would not withstand a moderate earthquake and should be replaced.
Banks High School was built in 1936 and expanded and renovated in 1950, 1967 and 1975. According to architectural and engineering assessments, further high school facility renovations needed to accommodate new graduation requirements and address asbestos removal, inadequate heating, ventilation, electrical and plumbing issues would not be cost effective.
Based on these committee and expert reports and recommendations, the school board unanimously voted to place a bond on the November 2010 ballot seeking a $25.98 million bond – Measure #34-182.
Bond measure proceeds would enable Banks Schools to:
• Replace, upgrade and increase the number of junior high and high school classrooms.
• Renovate other areas of buildings, including upgrading heating, ventilation and electrical systems, removing asbestos and improving security to make schools safer.
• Renovate the original brick school building for high school and district services, if economically practical. If not, construct replacement space.
• Construct emergency vehicle access to the elementary school.
• Increase campus lighting, parking and improve traffic flow.
• Pay costs for demolition, temporary classrooms and fees associated with issuing bonds.
New Junior High School facilities, constructed on same school site, would:
• Replace nine existing classrooms with 13 new classrooms and in addition, add classrooms designed for science, computer technology and special education.
• Replace library, expand physical education/gym space and make other building/campus improvements.
New High School facilities, constructed on the same school site, would:
• Replace 13 existing classrooms with 17 new classrooms and in addition, add classrooms designed for science, computer technology, special education and vocational education.
• Replace library, kitchen and commons area; make other physical education/gym and building/campus improvements.
Bond proceeds can only be used for the projects listed on this ballot. The bond issue’s principal amount cannot exceed $25.98 million
If the bond measure is approved, the District would establish a citizen oversight committee to ensure bond funds are used as indicated.
The Banks School District applied for and was approved to receive a “Qualified School Construction Bond”, which allows us to issue up to $15 million worth of bonds at no interest. If approved, the “QSCB” will save the district taxpayers over $22 million during the life of the bond.
Thus, the estimated tax rate increase for a $25.98 million bond would be approximately $1.45 per $1,000 of assessed property value per year, or approximately $145 per year more for each $100,000 of assessed property value.
• So we will have “Safe Schools for Our Students”
• The “QSCB” will save the district taxpayers over $22 million over the life of this bond.
• To improve efficiency in our school facilities.
• So we can provide an up-to-date learning environment that meets educational and graduation requirements.
• So we will have: