School Bond Information, November 2, 2004 Election

School Bond Prop 2 funds the next phase of work

As one major phase of Service High's renovation nears completion, the next is ready to begin. School Bond Proposition 2 on the November 2 ballot funds the renovation of the east wing of academic classrooms. After this next phase is completed, portable classrooms won't be needed at Service anymore.

Prop 2 also funds the next phases of renovation and design at Bartlett, Chugiak, and East, giving each school, including Service, a longer and more functional life. ASD only asks voters for funding on a phase-by-phase basis as the work progresses. This bond funds the next phases of work and keeps the projects on track and on schedule.

School Bond Proposition 1 funds the construction of a new middle school in northeast Anchorage that will ease overcrowding at Central, Clark and Wendler, which are all over 100 percent capacity and use 19 portable classrooms combined to house the overflow of students.

Building and maintaining schools are an investment by the community, and, like any investment, there is a cost. Prop 1 qualifies for 60 percent state reimbursement and Prop 2 for 63 percent, subject to annual legislative appropriation. State reimbursement reduces the cost to local taxpayers. For every $100,000 of 2004 assessed property value, and with state reimbursement, Props 1 and 2 combined will cost taxpayers $12.89 a year to retire the bonds and $9.60 a year for operation and maintenance of the added facility space.

Make an informed decision on November 2