Superintendent Fred McCarthy let the cat out of the bag Wednesday, finally revealing details on the South Whidbey School District’s newest look at a bond measure, a nearly
$13-million request voters will see later this year or in early 2011.
The proposed ballot measure will cover needed improvements to all of the district’s schools, and the costs of moving programs and students from Langley Middle School to the high school by the fall of 2012.
The bond proposal was roughly half the size of the cheapest alternative suggested earlier by TCF Architecture. Officials had earlier said the cost of the firm’s two options for consolidating schools on Maxwelton Road might range between $25.7 million and $32.7 million.
But in recent weeks, many in the community — including those who don’t want LMS closed — have warned the school board that voters will shoot down a costly bond measure if it isn’t supported by teachers and other school supporters.
McCarthy’s latest recommendation is more focused on fixing existing facilities; only $2.2 million is targeted for the actual consolidation process.
The pared-down list of upgrades to the high school includes a new science room, courtyard, field turf on Waterman Field and separate school entrances for the middle school. Those upgrades total $2,261,925.
Items that didn’t make the cut include a new gym and fieldhouse for middle schoolers once they move to Maxwelton Road, plus extra classrooms, an art studio, woodshop, covered tennis courts and other extras.
McCarthy said that the $12.8 million bond is broken down into seismic upgrades ($841,000), repairs ($2.5 million) and improvements ($7.2 million) to all school sites.
Most of the seismic upgrades will be at the primary school, where costs for earthquake protection will be $639,097. Similar work at Bayview School will run $202,196.
The biggest bill for needed repairs is at the high school and totals $1.8 million. The money, if the bond is approved by voters, would be used to repair roof leaks, cracks in the walls and damage to floors.
At the middle school, $353,594 in repair work is needed. The school district hopes to rent or lease part or all of the LMS facilities to community organizations.
“We want to make sure the buildings are ready for whoever moves in,” McCarthy said.
Repair costs amount to $229,652 at the elementary school. The primary school requires $108,974 in repairs, and Bayview School, $34,805.
As for improvements, the lion’s share of bond money — more than $5 million — will go to replacing the high school’s heating and air conditioning systems.
“In some classes, the heat cannot be turned off, while next door it feels like walking into a cooler,” McCarthy said. “That isn’t the best atmosphere for students getting a quality education.”
Improvements to LMS total $10,538, mainly to repair damaged foundations. The elementary school must upgrade handicap access in restrooms, and temperature controls. The primary school requires $1.2 million to replace windows and improve heating and ventilation systems. Bayview School will need $519,311 for new windows, flooring and heating updates.
McCarthy added that the $12.8 million bond is the starting point, yet is still less expensive for taxpayers than the current bond, which expires in December.
Jeff VanDerford can be reached at 221-5300 or jvanderford@southwhidbeyrecord.com.
