Bond projects not to start until spring 2010

By Kelly Evenson

kelly.evenson@examiner.net

The people of the Independence School District have spoken – an $85 million bond issue passed Nov. 3.

But what is next? When will construction start on any one of the dozens of projects promised to voters?

“We are in the process of developing timelines and completion projections for each of our projects,” said Bob Robinson, director of facilities for the Independence School District. “The work with the architects on building design is well under way, and you can see preliminary drawings posted in each of the school buildings where additions and revisions are being completed.”

The bond issue passed overwhelmingly with 68.58 percent of the voters in favor. Superintendent Jim Hinson, who was out of town on election night because of a prior commitment that had been scheduled long before the bond campaign, said it was a risk to place the issue on the ballot. But with the possibility of zero interest bonds from the federal stimulus package, it was the right decision for the school district.

“The community has now shown its support not only for the bond, but for the school district, and we would like to thank each voter and each volunteer who made this possible,” he said. “We knew we had an obligation to bring our community the opportunity to take advantage of zero-interest bonds, which will save our taxpayers millions of dollars in the long term.”

It is unknown how much of the $85 million will be in the form of interest-free bonds, so it is likely that homeowners will see a 15-cent tax increase per $100 of assessed value.

According the district, for a $100,000 home, this would mean an additional $28.56 annually, and for those with a $200,000 home, it would be an additional $57.12 each year.

But even with the successful passage, it will be months before any visible signs of construction will be seen. In May, work will begin at a number of facilities. This includes classroom additions at Luff, Thomas Hart Benton and Mill Creek elementary schools as well as other renovations at the remaining elementary schools.

“The additional classrooms will allow all students to be in an environment which is more conducive to learning,” said Luff Elementary Principal Toni Kilgore. “In order to accommodate our numbers, we have fifth grade classes in a mobile unit and our music and art classes are held in rooms that are not meant to be classrooms. We have used every nook and cranny of our building to house our special services for students. It’s tough to stay focused when you are crammed into a small space.”

For the middle schools, an athletic stadium will be constructed on the campus that houses Bridger, Pioneer Ridge and Bingham middle schools.

At the high school level, there will be a new gymnasium and band room at Truman; a front office and main entry remodel, new auditorium lighting and sound system and a new air-conditioning and heating system at Van Horn and a new track, renovated science rooms and a main entry and front office remodel at William Chrisman.

And that is only a small listing of projects that will be completed at the district buildings. Although timelines are still being developed for each project, the district foresees a three-year process in project completion.

This means most of the projects will not be completed by the beginning of the 2010-11 school year. This includes the classroom additions and larger renovation projects.

New HVAC systems, floor and ceilings tiles and locker renovations, however, could be, Robinson said. The rest of the projects will not be completed until summer 2011.

Two of the biggest results of the bond issue are elementary schools in the east and west portion of the school district. The new elementary school in eastern Independence will be built on 65 acres of land the district already owns south of MCC-Blue River. However, officials are still looking at a site for the western Independence school. Both schools are tentatively scheduled to open for the 2011-12 school year.

“We are currently looking for land on the west side of our district and have some very nice potential locations,” Robinson said. “We hope to make the final determination of the new school in the next six months.”

But no matter when the projects start, Hinson promises one thing – the public will be kept informed.

“We promise to use this money very wisely,” he said. “We will keep the public informed each and every step of the way. This vote was a vote of confidence in the Independence School District and we promise to fulfill all of those promises.”