Potential impacts of February’s Special Election

If a student’s environment is conducive to success, achievement comes easier than if environmental factors work against their success.

Anyone who has ever experienced adversity in the classroom knows that learning is a challenge, and it is critical that all of a student’s focus is directed toward learning, rather than being distracted by their surrounding conditions.

Lind-Ritzville High School works to promote student success. That is why Ritzville School District (RSD) has proposed a 20-year, $12.8 million bond to be voted on Feb. 9 in a Special Election.

By increasing the property tax rate by $1.89 per thousand (beginning January of 2017), RSD would undertake several projects to “modernize, improve, and construct school facilities” including a full modernization of the existing high school building ($4.819 million); capital improvements to roofing, lighting, and other various aspects of Ritzville Grade School ($3.872 million); health, safety, and technological improvements throughout the district ($1.775 million); and a 8,000 square-foot auxiliary gymnasium adjoining Gilson Gym ($2.332 million).

“The Legislature, through the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction will match the local dollars collected for specific projects. For the Special Election Bond, the state will provide Ritzville School District with an additional estimated $4.725 million to modernize the High School building for a project totaling $9.5 million.”

Superintendent Rob Roettger explained, “The District spends their bond funds first, then the state applies the committed matching funds for the eligible projects. Schools are eligible for state matching funds on square footage every 30 years. Our high school building is 32,000 square feet and our district is eligible for matching funds on roughly 20,000 square feet.”

“In addition,” Roettger continued, “matching funds are not exactly a one-for-one match. There are formulas and certain items that are eligible and certain portions that are not.”

It is important to note that February’s Special Election will also include a separate two-year replacement Maintenance and Operation (M&O) Levy for collection in 2017 and 2018. The M&O resurfaces every two years and is independent of the bond proposal, and should be voted on accordingly.

“Even if there was not a bond proposal on this year’s ballot there would be an M&O,” Roettger said. “It is a ‘replacement’ M&O because is ‘replaces’ an M&O that is expiring. The last two-year M&O was approved in 2014 for the 2015 and 2016 calendar years.

“Bond proposals are much more infrequent. The last bond proposal was in 2002 for upgrades to Gilson Gym and some work at the GS, HS, and Vo-Ag.”

Further distinguishing the difference between the M&O and the bond proposal, Roettger added, “Bond proposals that are approved allow the district to ‘borrow’ a certain amount of money and then pay it back through levied taxes over a specific number of years (this particular proposal is for a 20 year bond)”.

The improvements that would be made to LRHS if the bond were to pass would impact students in several ways.

“The bond proposal is not to build a new HS but for a full modernization. Basically, we will keep the same ‘footprint’ but will have the opportunity to gut the building and make it like new. The current building is in need of exterior upgrades and repairs (including a roof), the configuration of space within the building could improve our use of space (for example the maze in the library, the art/English classroom and the location of the office) and our HVAC system is dated and provides inconsistent temperatures to the various classrooms and offices throughout the buildings. Improvement to computer labs and technology is needed in order to provide our students access to the latest technology resources,” explained Roettger.

These changes would provide students with a learning environment that promotes increased focus, learning opportunities, and overall achievement: “Students will benefit by having a school building where temperatures are consistent, lighting is good, technology is modern and security is improved. The upgrades to the grade school (although not as extensive) would also provide grade school students and staff with the same benefits.”

The proposed bond also offers benefits to the athletic program. Roettger said that the 8,000 square-foot auxiliary gym (compared to Gilson Gym’s 22,000 square feet) would improve conditions for student athletes.

He explained, “The second gym would be a practice facility and could be used for sub varsity games and other community use. One consideration for a second or auxiliary gym is the early/late practice issue.

“With a second facility all student athletes could be done with practice by 6 p.m. and then home with their family for dinner and they would have additional time for homework. In addition, our youth leagues/teams could have access to school facilities earlier as high school practices would end at an earlier time.”

Current students see the impact the bond would have on future students.

Rachel Schell said, “If the bond were to be passed it will create a much needed ease in the future. Sports won’t cause such late nights, helping the school work of many student athletes. The new school will add a clean slate to our school and add to our reputation.”

“I believe that the new students would have a wonderful time in a basically brand new school. The equipment would be up to date making it easier for the kids to learn,” said student Megan Buriak. “Also, the old heaters we have in our classes are very loud and it disturbs us from learning. The bond would be an amazing opportunity and we should not pass it up.”

Student Tessa Jantz said, “Future students will benefit from this bond passing because of many reasons. As a student, I see how this bond could improve my life along with those below me. The heating and cooling system will create a more comfortable environment for the students to learn in as well as the improvements to the roof, windows, etc.”

Jantz continued, “The students will also benefit from the bond because of the new gym that will open up many opportunities for different parts of the school as well as the community.

“The new gym allows improved practice schedules for those participating in sports, creating more time to spend working on homework and spending time with family in the evenings,” Jantz said.

“This will also open up opportunities for the use of the grade school gym for the younger student activities and different groups of the community to use! This bond as a whole will open up many opportunities for the future,” she concluded.

Should the upcoming bond proposal pass in February, the RGS projects are anticipated to be completed later this year, and the other district improvements between 2016 and 2017.

High school modernization would being in 2017; the high school classrooms displaced by construction would be temporarily moved to one side of the newly renovated RGS.

The opportunities that would be made possible by the proposed bond and the basic improvements that would accompany the M&O levy, while independent of each other, would create an even more successful learning environment at RGS and LRHS.