The April 26 Tahoma School District construction and remodeling bond measure has generated several questions from community members about the district’s responsibilities and its fiscal management. I appreciate the opportunity to respond with factual information.
Question: Why doesn’t the school district influence city, county and state agencies to halt the issuance of building permits in order to limit enrollment growth?
Tahoma response: The school district’s mission is to educate children who live within its boundaries. The school district is not in the growth management business. The district works with city and county agencies to monitor growth in order to meet student needs. As the community grows there will continue to be a need to house and educate existing and additional students.
Question: Why does the school district believe that accepting the lowest bid for construction is “the best deal” when it actually creates problems that include failed siding and roofing on some schools? Is this a prudent use of bond funds?
Tahoma response: Under state law (RCW 43.19.1911), schools must accept the lowest responsible bid for construction projects. Bidding is a public process. All bid documents and details are available to any member of the public who wishes to inspect them. The district also receives an annual state audit and closely monitors how bond funds are spent. In addition, Tahoma will establish a committee of community members to serve as an oversight board for all bond measure projects. The district created a similar committee for the 1997 bond measure.
Question: Why can’t the school district wait until the bonds from the 1997 construction bond measure are paid off in 2016 before asking for more money?
Tahoma response: The district has already waited several years beyond the expected duration of added student capacity from the 1997 bond measure, which was designed to meet enrollment needs through 2005. Overlapping bond obligations are not ideal but the need for additional classrooms is urgent. The school board decided to explain the need and then put the question to the community by placing the bond measure on the ballot.
Question: Why build all of these projects at once? Are all of these projects needed?
Tahoma response: The committee of community members and school district staff, along with the school board, reviewed many options. Enrollment growth is occurring at every grade level, so the need for additional classrooms and support spaces is best addressed by using a comprehensive construction and remodeling plan. It is designed to meet student housing needs through 2020.
Kevin Patterson
Public information officer
Tahoma School District
