Frequently asked questions about the bond measure

As reported in The Columbian (“Clark County districts look to future as they plan schools,” published Dec. 4, 2016), it is more expensive to build schools than to build homes. Reasons for this include the size of the facility; the diversity of spaces in a school (gyms, science labs, arts spaces and more); regulatory factors; and fees associated with the architects, engineers, consultants and contractors who are involved in school construction projects.

To determine exactly how much you’re currently paying in property taxes, visit the Clark County property information center. Enter your address, then select the “Taxes” tab and “Tax statements.”

Related: What is the total tax rate?

Potential boundary changes have not yet been considered. As the district’s overall enrollment grows and new schools are built, some adjustments could become necessary to alleviate overcrowding. Should the need for boundary changes arise, the district will involve the public and work to minimize the impact on families.

Project completions will be subject to the design and permitting process as well as the availability of contractors. Some of the projects are scheduled to be complete within two years. All of the projects are planned to be complete within seven years.

Approximately 21 years.

No. Money from the bond measure is placed in the district’s capital projects fund. Per state law, money from this fund cannot be transferred to other funds or used for unrelated purposes.

A bond is a way for an organization to pay for a major project such as remodeling or construction by borrowing a large sum of money. Money from local property taxes would be used to pay back that loan over time.

The temporary increase of $0.09 per $1,000 of assessed value will become effective with the 2018 calendar year. However, current district-issued bonds will be retired near the end of the 2020 calendar year and the rate will drop by $0.17 per $1,000 of assessed value.

Bonds = buildings, levies = learning and operations

Levies and bonds are used for different things. Levy dollars pay for educational programs and day-to-day operations of schools, including:

  • Teacher and staff support
  • Extracurricular activities
  • Classroom supplies, textbooks and equipment
  • Utilities and insurance
  • Safety and security staff

Levies are not typically used for significant construction and must be renewed in two-, three- or four-year intervals. The last levy that local voters approved for Vancouver Public Schools was in February 2019.

Bonds pay for facilities, including:

  • New construction
  • Replacement schools
  • Building upgrades, e.g., new roofs, heating and cooling systems
  • Safe and secure entrances
  • Remodeling and expansion

If approved by local voters, bonds are eligible for state matching funds. They are paid off over a maximum of 20 years.

The last bond measure that local voters approved for Vancouver Public Schools was in February 2017.

Yes. In 2016, the state provided VPS with $43 million to assist with class-size reductions. Because voters approved the 2017 bond measure, the state also will supply an additional projected $50 million to fund construction and upgrades.

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The bond plan’s beginnings date back to 2008, when current and former students; employees; parents; and community, agency and business leaders came together to help Vancouver Public Schools craft a new strategic plan. That plan, called Design II, prioritized pre-kindergarten education, high-quality teaching, digital technology tools, family involvement, safety, positive school climates and programs that help students discover their unique talents and interests.

While VPS made gains in those areas over the next eight years, the district’s existing facilities did not accommodate all of the goals outlined in the plan. For example, lack of space due to overcrowding prohibited some schools from implementing Family-Community Resource Centers to increase family involvement. In other schools, space constraints meant that not every interested student could participate in programs.

The plan to replace, expand or upgrade every school in the district was developed over two years. To determine what’s best for students, VPS gathered input from students, parents, family members, staff members, volunteers, community members and district partners. In March 2015, the district conducted a survey about facility needs that captured responses from 1,500 people. Over the next year and a half, 12 symposia involving hundreds of people provided insights about schools and visions for the future of education. The district then worked with school staff members and professional architects to transform those ideas into design concepts. Feedback provided in community and online surveys and at staff presentations and open houses also helped to refine the plan.

The district conducted an extensive community-engagement effort to determine the scope of need and develop the bond plan while balancing careful consideration of the needs with a desire to keep tax rates stable. The district’s board of directors approved the plan and bond amount at its Nov. 8, 2016, board meeting.

Don’t see your question answered here?

For construction-related questions, call 360-313-1040 or send an email to the planning office.

For general questions about bonds and levies, call 360-313-1230 or send an email to the communications office.

 

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