Update: A new school bond will be on the February 11, 2025 ballot. This focused $231.6M proposal prioritizes critical safety and capacity needs without increasing current tax rates. Ballots go out January 22.
The February 2025 bond measure focuses on two critical areas:
Total: $191.7 Million
Total: $39.9 Million
Calculate your estimated tax impact based on your home's assessed value:
Note: The bond maintains a combined tax rate of $3.09 per $1,000 of assessed value, down from $3.13 in 2024.
June: ISD made an offer to the property owner, Churchome.
July: School Board authorizes eminent domain.
Claim: "We don't need more school capacity."
Fact: The district has demonstrated concrete capacity challenges. Classrooms with 35+ students are not uncommon, and this is not sustainable. High school enrollment is projected to grow 20% over the next 15 years. The district's plan includes constructing a new high school specifically to reduce overcrowding and improve student learning experiences. The capacity issue affects not just classroom space but also access to career preparation programs, health sciences, design, manufacturing and engineering programs that prepare students for their futures.
Claim: "This will dramatically increase our taxes."
Fact: This bond maintains the current combined tax rate of $3.09 per $1,000 assessed value, representing a decrease from the 2024 rate of $3.13. For context, this is significantly lower than the previous 20-year average of $3.90. The district has structured this bond to replace expiring bonds and levies, ensuring no tax rate increase for property owners.
Claim: "The community wasn't involved in developing this proposal."
Fact: This revised bond proposal directly responds to community feedback received through ThoughtExchange survey responses from November-December 2024, community listening sessions in December 2024, Bond Advisory Committee input, and School Board work sessions incorporating public comment. The reduced scope and enhanced oversight measures directly address community concerns about fiscal responsibility and project management.
Claim: "There's no accountability for spending."
Fact: The district is implementing comprehensive oversight measures with a new community oversight committee that includes financial, construction, and project management experts. This committee will ensure regular public reporting on project progress and spending. The district has also established updated checks and balances for project management, along with transparent timeline and milestone tracking to keep the community informed throughout the entire process.
Claim: "We can wait to address these issues."
Fact: The timeline for this bond is critical due to several pressing factors. The current high school permits expire on April 27, 2025, and construction costs typically increase 4-5% annually, making delays costly for taxpayers. Current overcrowding is already affecting student learning and safety, with many classrooms exceeding intended capacity. Additionally, security updates are needed across the district to meet current safety standards and protect our students and staff.
Date: January 21, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location: Cougar Mountain Middle School
Join Superintendent Heather Tow-Yick and Chief of Finance and Operations Martin Turney for a community conversation on budgeting, capital projects, and oversight.
Date: January 23, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Location: Administration Building
Virtual option available via Zoom
Canvassing, phone banking, and sign waving are all vital ways to reach out to our community.
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