S/T School Board Discusses Ways To Meet Need For More Classrooms

By Naomi Hatch
   Members of the Snowflake School District Governing Board know that there is a need for new class-rooms, but have not yet decided how to proceed. According to the projected growth of the district, there is a need for 23 new classrooms. Superintendent Monte Silk noted that those classrooms are needed if they have no full-day kindergarten.
   In a special meeting held May 21 Silk provided information on going to the public for approval of a $4.5 million bond.
   Silk said that Taylor Elementary School and Taylor Intermediate School need a total of seven class-rooms, while Highland Primary School and Snowflake Intermediate School need a total of 11 new class-rooms. Two more classrooms are needed at Snowflake Junior High School, and existing interior space at Snowflake High School should be remodeled to utilize the space as auto shops.
   Silk said that the immediate enrollment increase will require new classrooms. He noted that recently a kindergarten teacher resigned and they will not fill the position, because they don’t have a classroom. This will add another four students to each class, increasing class sizes to 32 to 33 students in primary grades by the 2010-11 school year.
   “We are fortunate to have the time to analyze, look and discuss and make a major decision based on information,” said the superintendent, noting that he would provide more information to board members in time for the next meeting.
   Silk said that in 2002 district officials promised citizens that they would not ask that the tax rate exceed $5.60 per $100,000 in assessed value. That was the highest the tax rate has been and was the tax rate for 2001-02 and 2002-03 school years. In 2003-04, bonds were sold and the tax rate dropped to $4.50 for the primary and secondary tax rates, and is lower still this year at $4.10.
   The superintendent presented the governing board with statistics for a 10-year amortization phased bonding program for $4.5 million, as well as schedules for 15 and 20 years. The 10-year program would add an average of 31 cents to the existing $4.10 per $100,000 assessed value, which is less than the average tax rate over the past 10 years. “That’s good news,” noted Silk.
   He also pointed out that with the economy as it is now, the district will get a good interest rate. He fur-ther noted that an extended payback of 20 years goes against his financial conservatism. The material pre-sented showed that the 20-year payback would save approximately a penny per $100,000 in assessed valua-tion, but would cost much more in interest.
   The board unanimously agreed that 10 years would be an appropriate payback time.
   It was also noted that if the growth pattern continues, in 10 years there would be need for a new junior high school.
   “The bottom line is, you’re looking at tax rates,” said Silk. “This is better news than I thought I’d be given, plus we’re looking at greater potential of lower tax rates,” though he noted that he would not have definite figures until the next board meeting.
   Board President Travis Tenney asked Silk if there was any feedback regarding a proposed bond from the district’s Web site.
   Silk commented that they had very little response, but will keep running the survey. He said there were 37 for and 13 against the bond, and a couple of ridiculous comments by students who found the site. He noted there was one comment suggesting they build a new junior high school, but said, “We’re not talking $4.5 million (then), we’re into a whole different ball game.”
   Board member Cameron Peterson said he discussed the situation with a parent and has thought about it since their conversation. They discussed the type of community we have, and she mentioned different ways to raise money rather than going to bond.
   “I can’t tell you how many times they’ve (students) come to my door,” said Peterson, referring to resi-dents being asked to donate to fund-raisers for trips and events. “I love to donate to them…If we’re wanting to raise strong kids and have strong schools…why don’t we have them do fund-raisers so they’re investing in the school?” He further suggested that the students not go on such outings as the senior trip and music trips, and instead donate that money toward the school. He also suggested that the drawing of plans be donated, saying, “I think there would be people knocking down our door.
   “I think we can be much more responsible in how we fund it and much more responsible in how we raise the money,” Peterson continued. “I think if we’d ask our community to help us out, whether we do a bond or try an alternative effort,” they would be willing.
   In discussion regarding the architectural/engineering plans, several of those present noted that they must be done professionally and stamped by the firm for liability reasons.
   Board member Shea Flake said he agreed with Peterson, but he pointed out how long it has taken to get the renovation of the Academy Building going, adding, “I don’t want to take a kid away from a trip…If you tried to do a fund-raiser for $4.5 million, it would take too long. We have needs now that fund-raisers wouldn’t help.”
   “I don’t think we should mandate it, it’s charity,” said Peterson. “They’d (the students) be the ones out looking for it. I think the community would be more willing to donate to that cause.” He acknowledged they wouldn’t get the money overnight and said they still may need to bond.
   Board member Danelle Prestwich agreed with fund-raising, but said she felt it wouldn’t fund the new classrooms.
   SHS Principal Larry Titus suggested that student fund-raisers be used to pay the debt down.
   Tenney said he felt there would be a way to have students help out on fund-raising, but also noted that they should educate the students so they go home and talk positive and get their parents involved in raising the money. He agreed that they couldn’t raise the money by the time they would have the need for more classrooms.
   “I’m one of those who believe it’s not going to get any less of a problem, it’s going to grow,” said Tenney. “I’m one of those that doesn’t like to say bond… but I also look at it as a good thing.” He said he felt bonding and paying off Taylor Intermediate School was a good thing, and that the gymnasium bond has been a good thing and that addressing the need for classrooms is a smaller number for the community to swallow than would be necessary to build a new junior high school.
   “As president of the board, I would like to make a comment,” Tenney said. “I feel like if we don’t move forward with this, we’ve done this community a disservice because we didn’t have the foresight to look into the future and see what our needs are. I would be for trying to sell a 10-year bond and trying to get it done.”
   Assistant Taylor Town Manager Paul Poczobut noted that if the board doesn’t go through with the bond now, in three to four years, instead of spending $3 million, they will need to spend $6 million. As an example he pointed out the sidewalk project on Centennial Blvd., which has increased in cost from $200,000 to $300,000 in little time.
   Snowflake Vice Mayor Kerry Ballard suggested the school district work with the communities, whether it be putting out the information or going to the town councils for an endorsement.
   Taylor Town Manager Eric Duthie agreed with seeking a 10-year bond, saying, “The sooner you retire that bond, the sooner you can go back out for more bonding.”
   “I think its important also that the community knows if we go forward with this and it’s turned down… we tried,” said Tenney.
   Board member Reed Flake said, “We’re in a down cycle, in a slump. We’re going to come out of it,” noting that in five years the community will be going gangbusters again.
   No action was taken on this item because it was scheduled for discussion only.