Parents and families,
Last week, the Vancouver Public Schools’ board of directors approved a resolution to put a capital facilities bond
measure on the ballot Feb. 14, 2017. If approved by voters, the bond would allow the district to build three new schools;
replace, remodel and/or enlarge several schools; and provide improvements and updates to all other schools in the district. T he
board and district leaders hope to be able to take advantage of historically low interest rates to reduce the financial impact on
taxpayers.
A new class-size average of 17 students in kindergarten through third grade for the 2017-18 school year will require more
classrooms. Existing classrooms were designed for an average of 25 students. Additional planning is required to address classroom
size and space at all elementary schools
“Now is the best time to do this work,” said Board President Dale Rice. “We have a window of opportunity while interest rates
are low. If we defer this investment, our financing and construction costs could double over the next 15 years.”
VPS is requesting the authority to sell up to $458 million in bonds to pay for additions and improvements to educational facilities,
which were identified as being necessary through a two-year community engagement process. Bond measures require a 60
percent supermajority of ‘yes’ votes for approval.
Please see the attached list of bond measures included in this newsletter for more information about the impact of the passage
of the bond, including specific upgrades right here at Minnehaha!
Go to https://vansd.org/levy-bond/ for more information!
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Troy
