Saline schools bond Q&A: Supporters say it would protect and secure district's facilities
Voters in the Saline school district will decide Tuesday whether to approve a $22 million bond issue. The bond would add $22 million in new debt to the current $124 million bond by extending repayment from 2025 to 2031. Property owners would continue to pay the 7-mill tax rate they pay for the current bond.
The bond request is a retooling of one that was defeated in August by 153 votes.
AnnArbor.com conducted the following Q&A with Superintendent Scot Graden to discuss why the district believes the bond proposal is necessary.
- Read the Q&A from the other side: Saline schools bond Q&A: Opponents say 'we can't afford it'
Q: Why does the district need this bond extension?
A: From our standpoint, it’s pushed to come up now for two reasons. One, we did a financial study in 2009 as to the infrastructure needs of the district and identified about $30 million in need, and part of that can be addressed with our sinking fund — we have about $500,000 in sinking fund dollars.
The remainder are really focusing on the fact that we own and possess about $200 million in fixed assets, and ultimately, we need to continue to invest in those in order to maintain their value and provide the environment we want to provide.
The now portion of it does come in to play because we have the opportunity for an extension rather than an immediate increase — that really was the other driver in terms of getting feedback from the community after the August bond that went down.
Q: What are some of the projects this would fund?
A: About 75 percent of it is going to go toward what we call infrastructure needs. Really, you’re talking some roofing systems, heating and cooling adjustments. This building (Liberty School) is still steam heat; we'll convert it to hot water, which is more efficient. Some of our other buildings have fin boilers — we’d convert to EVO boilers, which are more efficient. It would save us energy costs and allow us to better manage the temperatures in those buildings.
There are some configuration issues around the elementary offices. With elementary buildings built now, you have to go through the office in order to get into the buildings and Harvest is almost like that and was built in 2002, Woodland and Heritage are close but would need some reconfiguration, and Pleasant Ridge you have to find the office, it’s kind of hard to find, so that’s the building that would receive the most from a renovation standpoint.
About 10 percent for technology and about half of that 10 percent, about $2 million, toward devices — literally computers, SMART board type devices and then half would be network upgrades to allow us to provide robust wireless everywhere so students who bring their own devices can get onto the network.
Q: There are people saying, “We voted no in August, why are you bringing this back now, we already spoke.” How do you respond to that?
A: The feedback analysis we did of the voters — and we didn’t ask them whether they voted yes or no, we asked what their rationale was for voting — and almost to a person they said, “We didn’t know what it was going to go for.” Many people didn’t even know it was going to be on the ballot. If you look at the actual voter rolls, about 7,650 people voted in the primary and 5,400 voted on the ballot proposal, so about 2,200 people went to the polls and didn’t vote on it.
It came back in February because we didn’t want to bring this back in another year and the board really thought, and articulated this in a couple meetings, that they really thought they’d be doing a disservice if we tried to politically create a gap between the votes, when in reality this is our last chance to do it without increasing our tax rate.
Q: What happens if the millage fails?
A: These are the types of things we’re going to need to do regardless of what happens. If we’re going to continue to provide transportation, we’re going to have to buy new buses. We need to upgrade our network, we need to provide 21st century learning environments, we need to put new roofs on our buildings, and those resources need to come from somewhere.
Our capital needs, along with decreasing state revenues, becomes a double whammy to address, so if we don’t have access to a bond, I really see our competitiveness as a district going down.
Kyle Feldscher covers K-12 education for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at kylefeldscher@annarbor.com.
Comments
snoopdog
Wed, Feb 23, 2011 : 2:36 a.m.
Hello A2.com, any news yet on the results from the voting today ?
Tom Bower
Wed, Feb 23, 2011 : 3:09 a.m.
A2.com... where is your coverage of the bond election results? Saline is Washtenaw County's second largest school district. It's over. Bond was defeated. Lodi Township margin of NO to YES votes increased from 96 for the August 2010 election to 275 for this election. Margins of NO to YES votes also increased in York and Saline Townships. Total votes cast: 2,767 (14 percent) for this election compared to 5,411 (28 percent) for the August 2010 election.
Tom Bower
Wed, Feb 23, 2011 : 3:08 a.m.
A2.com... where is your coverage of the bond election results? Saline is Washtenaw County's second largest school district. Ninety percent of the precincts have reported. <a href="http://electionresults.ewashtenaw.org/feb2011/canvassreport3.html" rel='nofollow'>http://electionresults.ewashtenaw.org/feb2011/canvassreport3.html</a> Trends so far compared to the August 2010 vote: Much lower vote totals. Pittsfield Township, Precinct 1 - margin of YES over NO votes decreased by 22. Pittsfield Township, Precinct 9 - margin of YES over NO votes increased by 56. City of Saline, Precincts 1 & 2 - margin of YES over NO votes changed from negative 7 to +16. City of Saline, Precinct 3 - margin of YES over NO votes increased by 55. Saline Township, Precinct 1 - margin of NO over YES votes increased by 27. Saline Township, Precincts 2 & 3 - margin of NO over YES votes increased by 91.
snoopdog
Tue, Feb 22, 2011 : 1:49 p.m.
We are going to "take away" and "cutting up" the Saline School Districts credit cards today, at least in a symbolic way. This will be a wake up call to to the BOA that it ain't business as ususal.
Tom Bower
Tue, Feb 22, 2011 : 5:26 a.m.
Given the efforts of Americans for Prosperity to influence this election's outcome with a flurry of robo calls this afternoon, I wonder how many of the opposing posts are from people who do not even live in the Saline School District? Raising a much needed $22 million without increasing our property tax millage rate is a prudent way of managing the District's finances through these challenging economic times. It's time for voters in the Saline School District to renew their investment in the excellent school system that was the reason many of them moved to Saline. The polls open today at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Vote YES and tell your friends to do the same.
Muria
Tue, Feb 22, 2011 : 4:18 p.m.
Actually, all the robo calls I got were from the Saline School District, telling me to vote YES! I would far prefer to be able to vote for the improvements that the money went towards. I don't really think the school NEEDS a ROBUST wireless network, just in case the kids have iPhones (which they aren't supposed to be using during class anyway), nor do I think the school buildings need to be rebuilt to make the office the only entrance. I also don't see why the heating changes can't be put off until the school district has more money.
debling
Tue, Feb 22, 2011 : 3:57 a.m.
This is the problem that occurs when districts build Taj Mahals. You keep paying and paying and paying over decades. It's a common mistake people make thinking fancy buildings and sports stadiums mean higher education. It doesn't. It simply means higher taxes. Good schools simply have good students and good teachers. I would vote NO because the Saline schools have not been transparent enough nor have they rigorously defended the need for each of these purchases. Every single dollar most be scrutinized and every item, whether computers or a buses approved one by one by the community. This wish list should be itemized and each voted on. By the way, why does the Saline school district own buses? Why not contract this service out and have each family pay the bus company directly if they need bus service? Getting students to the school should not be the responsibility of the school system.
salinemom2712
Tue, Feb 22, 2011 : 1:42 a.m.
Considering that this is an extension of an existing millage, I will be voting NO.
Doug Reed
Mon, Feb 21, 2011 : 9:55 p.m.
It is highly NEFARIOUS to try to get this passed (under most people's radar) with a Feb election. Was not this voted down last year already? YES it was! <a href="http://www.annarbor.com/news/early-returns-show-saline-schools-millage-failing/index.php">http://www.annarbor.com/news/early-returns-show-saline-schools-millage-failing/index.php</a> This must be voted DOWN and a strong message sent to the school leadership that economic pain must be shared by all. There should be funds budgeted annually for repair. One simply needs to look at current "bloated" district salaries, and the 46% fringe benefit rate. The $$ all come from the same source (us) ... This will cost you if you plan on staying in Saline. TELL EVERYONE YOU KNOW TO VOTE "NO" on FEB 22 on the $22 Million Bond Extension.
Jimmy Olsen
Tue, Feb 22, 2011 : 1:20 a.m.
Doug Reed, There ARE funds budgeted annually for repair. They will not cover these types of larger expenses. It has already been costing every Saline resident for years. So why, after investing all those dollars, would you just let everything fall into disrepair ? Protect the investment for the future. Vote YES>
miscribe
Mon, Feb 21, 2011 : 7:41 p.m.
I have lived in Saline all my life and am very glad to be a part of this very special community. I just received a phone call from a Scott H. asking me to vote no on Saline Public School's bond proposal. He asked that we "stop the insanity now". I do not appreciate unsolicited phone calls full of fear rhetoric and called Mr. H. back and asked not to be called again. I noted that Mr. H. represents the Michigan branch of the Americans for Prosperity, a Tea Party umbrella group and that he was calling me from a 517 area code. When I returned his call I asked him where he lives and was he a member of the Saline community. I wonder if he will reveal that information to me.
WaldenPond
Mon, Feb 21, 2011 : 7:36 p.m.
We are a Saline family and we will be voting yes on Tuesday for several reasons. One, a community that strongly supports public education is one that people want to live in and move to. Consequently, that increases the value of our house. Secondly, the opposition is overwhelmingly composed of people who don't even live in the Saline School District. This is also a protest vote to say stop trying to tell us how to run our schools.
average joe
Mon, Feb 21, 2011 : 6:02 p.m.
I thought that this bond was for "critical needs". I don't think relocating offices falls into the critical area, especially ones that are less than ten years old. So is the architect/contractor that designed these 'recently built-state of the art-but now are of a flawed design' buildings the same ones that are going to design the new remodeling?? If a company made design mistakes on my house, I sure wouldn't hire them again. Also- new roofs are not remodeling- it's maintenance. By state law, none of these bond funds can be used for maintenance costs. It would be good for the administration to show how much the schools 'set aside' for scheduled maintenance & future repairs.
stunhsif
Mon, Feb 21, 2011 : 5:35 p.m.
"Q: What happens if the millage fails?" "A: I really see our competitiveness as a district going down." Ridiculous, all it means is the SEA will finally have to start sharing in the pain with some givebacks at some point. After its defeat, perhaps the SEA can approach the Saline BOA and offer to renegotiate their contract ahead of schedule to immediately reign in spending , that would be the right thing to do.
Jimmy Olsen
Tue, Feb 22, 2011 : 1:16 a.m.
stunshif we've been over this time and time again. While changes in the SEA contract will bring some relief to the district - it will not generate the dollars needed for these infrastructure projects. The cuts from Lansing will make it a net effect of zero. SEA approach the BOE, dream on. You are cutting off your nose to spite your face.
Jonny Spirit
Mon, Feb 21, 2011 : 11:46 p.m.
The Saline teacher contract does not come up to negotiate until 2012. Nice try. Plus the state laws says if there is no agreement of a new contract for 2013 the last years contract will remain in place, yes that means the same pay and the same health care. Why do you want to fix a roof with teachers money. That's like fixing the oven in a restaurants with the bus boys pay. Doesn't make sense.
PaperTigerSophie
Mon, Feb 21, 2011 : 5:27 p.m.
Regardless if the millages passes or not (which it's almost certain that it will NOT pass), it sure will be "interesting" to see what happens when the SEA contracts are "up" this year. A perfect scenario would be that once the millage does NOT pass, and the contracts are renegotiated, that there will be NO raises (this includes step raises), the SEA goes with the more affordable BC/BS as opposed to the current healthcare they now have, and pay at least 20% of their healthcare. Then, put the millage up for another vote, and I can guarantee that it will then pass.
Jimmy Olsen
Tue, Feb 22, 2011 : 1:27 a.m.
PaperTigerSophie, The SEA contracts are not "up" this year. The have another year to run. By that time the state would probably not issue bonds for the district. The window of opportunity is now. Besides, the SEA contract changes you envision, coupled with the cuts from Lansing will probably result in a net effect of zero. Where then do you propose we will fix leaking roofs, etc ? Protect our investment vote YES.
braggslaw
Mon, Feb 21, 2011 : 4 p.m.
It seems strange to keep asking for the same thing, when the voters have already said no. Maybe they are counting on repackaging the proposal in a different fashion.....and fooling people
Buster W.
Mon, Feb 21, 2011 : 3:41 p.m.
Also, the whole transportation system needs to be revamped. It doesn't seem like many kids take the bus anymore, as most older kids drive themselves (or with friends) and most younger kids get dropped off/picked up. The lines to drop off/pick up kids is astonishing at WM and Heritage! Apparently, it's just not "cool" to take the bus anymore.
Buster W.
Mon, Feb 21, 2011 : 3:31 p.m.
Regarding elementary school configuration, the offices at WM and Heritage are located at the main entrances which seem to work just fine...as was Houghton. Currently, I have kids at both schools. Sounds like somebody doesn't want to do their job of watching who's coming and going. Mr. Graden, If this proposal had passed with the ~2,200 gap stated above...would we be voting on it again? Didn't think so. I will be voting "NO".
snoopdog
Mon, Feb 21, 2011 : 2:58 p.m.
" and Pleasant Ridge you have to find the office, it's kind of hard to find, so that's the building that would receive the most from a renovation standpoint." My three oldest children attended this school , the office was not hard to find. So tear the place apart rather than put up some signage ? Where does the voting take place ? Vote No Don't Be A Chump
DaLast word
Mon, Feb 21, 2011 : 2:40 p.m.
This goes directly to the arogance of building shools we can't afford and just pass the buck on to the tax payer. When we built the new shools we never factored maintaining the old ones.....Seriously? How much of this goes into shoring up teacher's pension plans???
Jimmy Olsen
Tue, Feb 22, 2011 : 1:31 a.m.
Nothing goes to shoring up teacher's pension plans. You can't factor in maintenace because you have to spend all the bond money within a certain time frame according to state law. Protect our investment. Vote YES!
Floyd Griffey
Mon, Feb 21, 2011 : 2:05 p.m.
Here is the issue, In a private business, if the furnace is broken, you get it fixed. If it can't be fixed, you replace it. In the public sector, the schools, the UofM, if the furnace works but you want to '...allow us to better manage the temperatures in those buildings." You replace a working system. This is the problem with the schools, spend money you don't have for things that don't need replacing. It is all about Empire Building, who has the most workers and the best stuff, "See what I nice school I run? That means I am a good administrator."
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Mon, Feb 21, 2011 : 2:11 p.m.
After all, Lincoln learned to read by the light of the fire in a fireplace. Anything more than that for our kids is just coddlin' the little suckers. Good Night and Good Luck
miscribe
Mon, Feb 21, 2011 : 1:40 p.m.
Those opposed to the bond issue simply do not want to share the expense of maintaining a first class, 21st century school system. Sounds like short term, self-centered gain and long term loss for school children. We're seniors living on social security and still making house payments on our Saline home. Money is tight, but, for us, it would be unconscionable not to support this bond issue. It's how we give back to the schools that did so well in educating our children.
sas parent
Mon, Feb 21, 2011 : 12:56 p.m.
The extension is necessary to maintain the BUILDINGS within the district--it cannot be used in any way for salaries. Yes, the current SEA contract is something that needs to be dealt with, but the contract doesn't expire until 2012. We need to address the issue of maintaining our buildings now. While the idea of spending more in economic times such as these is not desirable, it really is unavoidable, if we want to continue to provide safe and efficient buildings for the education of our children. This is the purpose of the extension. I also vote YES.
onlinejoey
Mon, Feb 21, 2011 : 12:30 p.m.
The schools need it now more than ever. Cuts to "public sector" benefits are coming based on the State budget proposal. Let's take care of our buildings locally and do it without raising my tax rate. I will be voting YES. <a href="http://saline-milan.patch.com/articles/saline-should-vote-yes-and-stand-by-what-it-has-built" rel='nofollow'>http://saline-milan.patch.com/articles/saline-should-vote-yes-and-stand-by-what-it-has-built</a>
Salinemary
Mon, Feb 21, 2011 : 12:04 p.m.
Considering that this is an extension of an existing millage, I will be voting yes.
Macabre Sunset
Mon, Feb 21, 2011 : 7:55 p.m.
It isn't. It's a new tax that begins in 2025 and impacts the ability of future generations to raise money.
PaperTigerSophie
Mon, Feb 21, 2011 : 11:27 a.m.
Maybe now, once the millage is voted "NO" again, SAS will get the "hint". People have just had ENOUGH of paying and paying and paying. Do you realize, SAS, that if the SEA's contract was renegotiated and teachers were paying their portion of their healthcare, that you would have over a MILLION dollars??? That's really something to think about. The taxpayers are getting so tired of paying and paying. We plainly just don't have it anymore. We all have to live within our budgets. Why is the school system any different? When our budgets have a "shortfall", we have to individually start cutting our own budgets to make it work. Why are you any different? WE don't have anywhere else to go, so why should you???
Jonny Spirit
Mon, Feb 21, 2011 : 5:27 p.m.
Don't you mean 1 Billion dollars Dr. Evil :)
Macabre Sunset
Mon, Feb 21, 2011 : 11:07 a.m.
I have no doubt administrators feel a "need" to spend more and more of the taxpayers' money. Unfortunately, they have spent all that's available, and now they want to spend everything that tomorrow's taxpayers will raise as well. At some point, they will have to make deep cuts in spending. Or their children will have to make even deeper cuts down the road. A tax on your children is the most cynical of taxes.