Barking Points: Lind School District Bond

At Lind-Ritzville Middle School, learning is a busy highway that just rounded the corner into third quarter. With all of the traffic, the Lind-Ritzville Middle School and Lind Grade School buildings are looking a bit worse for the wear.

This February, Lind School District’s special election is looking to pass a 15-year, four million dollar bond that would pay for construction and renovations that would make the highway of learning more efficient for the students to travel along. Lind School District’s facilities bond is proposing funds to invest in both of the district’s buildings that will directly affect current middle school students and young learners for years to come.

The $4,042,302 bond is proposing structural and technological renovations that are a part of the students’ learning experience.

Another thing voters will vote on is $717,176 two-year maintenance and operation levy that will fund routine, but necessary, things throughout the students lives, such as food and custodial services, basic technology, transportation, extracurricular activities, vocational programs, and additional salaries.

Superintendent Rob Roettger said, “The M&O levy that’s on the ballot every two years is normal the bond is different. The bond is not something that comes along very often.”

The proposed $4 million bond would invest in improvements that would make both the students and staff’s learning more productive and pleasurable; such as upgrading heating and cooling systems, leaking roofs, flooring and carpet, kitchen, equipment and technology.

Roettger said, “We’re asking for some pretty basic things. I don’t believe there are many items that can be taken off the list of proposed upgrades.”

The outcome of the bond will affect the students on psychological and physical levels.

Student Peyton Curtis thinks about better lighting in the gym: “You will be able to see better, I feel that brighter lights will lead to brighter, more positive attitudes.”

As student Megan Buriak imagines what could be of the middle school, she said, “Some ceilings need to be improved, the carpet should be orange or black to show our school pride and the floors could be orange and black as well.”

Tara Tellefson considers heating and air conditioning upgrades: “I think a better controlled heating and air conditioning system would increase our focus during school because we wouldn’t have to worry about being too cold or hot, we could be comfortable, relaxed, and focused.”

For Lind residents interested in learning more about the Feb. 11 bond, they can bring questions or concerns to Roettger by calling 509-677-3481, extension 418, or send emails to [email protected].