The school board met for a work session to discuss the superintendent’s recommended long range facilities plan and a reduced cost plan that would provide a tax levy rate similar to the 2002 tax levy bond of $1.77 per $1,000 of assessed value. By the end of their discussion, board members had targeted a bond rate goal in the range of $1.80 to $1.99 per $1,000 of assessed value.
Early in the meeting, board members addressed the topic of Franklin K-8. After recent coverage in the local media, board members were eager to discuss Franklin. Discussion included the lifespan of the building if they were to support the capital improvements included in the superintendent’s recommendation and how to move the conversation forward to support greater access for students. Staff shared that the investment of nearly $9 million in capital repairs will extend the life of the building 20-30 years. Board members generally indicated support of Franklin and the majority of recommended capital improvements throughout the district.
After two and a half hours of discussion, there was general consensus in support of two new school buildings (Lincoln and Hoover Elementary Schools), capital improvements and additional educational spaces at Garfield Elementary School, Career and Technical Education improvements at Cheldelin, Corvallis High, and Crescent Valley High, the removal of modular classrooms throughout the district, and the addition of separate cafeteria and gym spaces at Adams, Jefferson, and Wilson Elementary Schools.
The board will convene at a business meeting on January 11, 2018 to continue the discussion and is expected to vote on the final plan and a resolution to put a bond measure on the May 2018 ballot.