Citizens for Meeker Schools

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Citizens for Meeker Schools
Citizens for Meeker Schools
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Ballot Initiative 2-Parts

• Ballot issue to permanently extend the existing
  mill levy override - not a new tax
• Ballot issue 24 million bond initiative for
  new elementary school and improvements at the
  high school and middle school

Citizens for Meeker Schools
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The Problem
Citizens for Meeker Schools
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Water from foundation leaks after snow storms.
Citizens for Meeker Schools
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Still need better pic
Stage is being used for storage and an office for
the PE teacher.
Citizens for Meeker Schools
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Does Meeker Need a New Elementary School?

• 70 Years Old
• Building has encapsulated asbestos in walls,
  ceilings and floors
• Schools are held to higher standards when it
  comes to asbestos removal
• Too Small for Existing Population
• 8-10 acres is required for our student population
• Current foundation would not support a 2-story
  structure
• Have had to rent community buildings to hold
  classes
• Electrical, heating plumbing infrastructure
  needs to be replaced
• Leaking Roof

Citizens for Meeker Schools
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Does Meeker Need a New Elementary School?

• No dedicated parking or good traffic flow around
  the school
• Dangerous environment for picking up and
  dropping off students
• Dangerous when balls from the playground go out
  into street

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Middle High School

• Failing heating/(ventilation) system at the high
  school
• 52,000 for gas bills (HS)?
• Aging electrical system
• Restrooms not ADA compliant
• Middle school roof needs to be replaced
• Air quality and circulation-(health issue)?

High School was built in 1955 Middle School was
built in 1977
Citizens for Meeker Schools
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Legislated Funding Sources for Schools

• School Finance Actbased on per pupil
• Primary funding source
• Mill Levy Override
• Bonding Initiatives
• Grants Donations

Citizens for Meeker Schools
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Revenues Expenses
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Proposed Solution
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Short Term--Interim Steps

• To mitigate lack of classroom space, two modular
  units, housing four temporary classrooms, will be
  placed on elementary playground for the coming
  school year.
• A temporary fix for the worn out roof has been
  found which will have to be done this summer and
  next.

Citizens for Meeker Schools
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Long Term Steps

• Build a new elementary school
• Repair mechanical deficiencies at high school
• Replace roof at middle school
• Fix air circulation systems at middle and high
  schools (energy efficiency excellent payback)?
• Over haul electrical systems lighting at high
  school middle school

Citizens for Meeker Schools
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Site Features

• Student Safety
• Safe student drop off, with designated pickup
  lanes. Safe access for kids walking biking to
  school, safe bus traffic.
• Playground is not isolated after school hours.
  
• Campus Format
• Share staff and facilities
• Educational opportunities
• Short walk to north side of Starbuck Stadium
• Easy access to recreation center for after
  school activities

Citizens for Meeker Schools
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Site Features (cont)?

• Primary access will be from Sulphur Creek via
  new bridge and road improvements
• Good emergency preparedness plan for our schools
• Grade is appropriate for sewer system
• Alternative access new secondary road parallel
  to and east of (above) bus garage for school
  traffic only.
• The above alternative access can be opened for
  community use as can parking lots of school
  for large community gatherings at the
  fairgrounds or recreation center.

Citizens for Meeker Schools
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Citizens for Meeker Schools
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Building Features (Educational Benefits)

• Pod concept for design of classrooms
  (Substantial educational advantage).
• each grade level (PK -5) to have four classrooms
• three to be used for sections of each grade
• Full size library/media center (computer lab)
• North/South orientation of classrooms optimal for
  schools

Citizens for Meeker Schools
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Building Features (cont)?

• Easy expansion for growth extend the classroom
  main wing to the west
• Straight halls and position of playgrounds
  facilitate excellent student supervision
• Pitched metal roof rock/stucco siding

Citizens for Meeker Schools
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Building Features (Have Community Benefits)?

• Full-size gymnasium with locker rooms for
  multi-use with other two buildings.
• Able to host tournaments
• Improved practice schedules
• Presently the district has only one gym which can
  accommodate spectators
• Recreation district use of facility
• Cafetorium
• Small stage will allow for multiple presentations
  of all grade levels
• Stage opens on its back side into the gym for
  larger productions.
• Gym and cafeteria area can be opened for special
  events and the rest of the school closed off

Citizens for Meeker Schools
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24 Million Bond Initiative

• Proposed New Elementary School
• 69,598 square feet X 250/sf - 17,399,500
• School for existing students with possibility for
  expansion
• High School and Middle School improvements
• Electrical mechanical upgrades in terms of
  heating lighting (energy efficiency),
• Air ventilation (health), etc.
• Middle school roof

Citizens for Meeker Schools
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Even as home values have increased, tax bills
have gone down!!
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How Much Does It Raise My Taxes?

• Tax Impact on an average home of 186,000
• Agricultural Tax Impact (Meadow/Hay)
• Agricultural Tax Impact (Grazing)
• Commercial Tax Impact per 100,000
• No Increase on the override! - its a permanent
  extension of existing 404,000 override

90 annual or 7.50 per month
33 cents annual per acre
3 cents annual per acre
176 annual or 14.65 per month
Citizens for Meeker Schools
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Revenue Plan

• Bond initiative will not cover all the capital
  needs
• Collaborative grants will be the most successful
  way to access energy impact funds.
• Opportunity for collaborative grants in December
  2008 and March 2009
• Any additional monies received will be used for
  improvements in our high school andmiddle
  school.

Citizens for Meeker Schools
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Is the Energy Industry Helping?

• Industry has helped fund the temporary classrooms
  at the elementary school
• Industry will pay over 80 of the 20-year Bond
• Has donated to several school programs and
  projects

Citizens for Meeker Schools
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2 Ballot Initiatives

• Ballot issue to permanently extend the existing
  mill levy override - not a new tax
• Ballot issue 24 million bond initiative for
  new elementary school and improvements at the
  high school and middle school

Citizens for Meeker Schools
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Questions
Citizens for Meeker Schools