Ultimately, this bond will fund the modernization of the performing arts and gymnasium facilities at the high schools.
Shaun's Take
Arts programs are extremely important. The neuronal connections that develop when someone creates music at a young age, for instance, make it easier for that person to learn seemingly unrelated concepts, such as math and languages, more easily down the road.
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The bond suggests several students groups will be able to use the space for practices and other reasons. I suggest some type of oversight to ensure as many students can benefit from this new space (and old spaces) the most effectively.
Whether it passes or fails, this bond will not increase or decrease the current tax rate.
Shaun's Take
Bonds occur with relative frequency. The previous two were in 2019 and 2014. As debt gets paid down, the opportunity arrives to pass new bonds. It's like a home owner taking out a home loan for renovations a couple years after taking out the mortgage.
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The 2019 bond funded millions in auditorium and gymnasium improvements. I hope these don't become obsolete when the bond's passing initiates demolition.
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This is a risk one takes when using bonds to repair infrastructure instead of create it anew. Perhaps this indicates some level of favorability towards *this* bond's aim to build new, modern, and long-lasting buildings.
The economic impact for the city is about the same as the $35 million bond. Over 100 workers will earn salaries, these workers will support local businesses, and other money going into the local economy inform
Shaun's Take
Bonds aren't my specialty, but comparing data is. This bond seems to employ even more workers than the 2019 bond while costing millions less.
According to the last page of the June 2022 Financial Report Executive Summary, published as a link on the board meeting agenda, it seems to me we were down to about $17mil left of the initial $45mil to pay.
Shaun's Take
I thought this number would be higher. These numbers represent balances after May 2022, so current balances would be even lower.
See image below.
