In August 2008, Washington Community High School received a mandated “Life Safety Survey,” which identified $4.4 million in potential building issues.
It is important to note that only $453,000 of the total amount identified was categorized as “urgent.”
An additional $2.6 million was categorized as “necessary,” meaning the items must be corrected within five years of the date of any approval.
The remaining issues, about $1.3 million, were “recommended” to be included on five-to-10 year periodic building renewal schedule.
Again, the cost of all of these totals $4.4 million. Depending on the scope and timing, a referendum is not necessarily required.
Subsequent discussion of these survey results resulted in the original $4.4 million growing to a potential $18.4 million project, including a building expansion of about 70,000 square feet.
Authorization of a ballot question to approve issuance of bonds to pay for such a project was approved by a four-to-three split decision of the WCHS School Board.
Student enrollment at WCHS peaked at about 1,700 students in the 1970s. Current enrollment is 1,130. While there is potential for a short-term increase, projections indicate the student enrollment will steadily decline in future years.
WCHS must balance rising energy, transportation and insurance costs, teacher and administrative salaries, special needs costs and the need to meet unfunded government mandates while also addressing physical premises issues.
Given the dire financial condition of our federal and state governments, there is no doubt that WCHS will increasingly depend upon local property taxpayers to meet its needs.
Without question, physical premises issues exist at WCHS. Our building needs must be prioritized so that we can continue to meet our operating costs, make ongoing repairs and improvements, and continue to provide the programs we have grown to expect and enjoy.
An $18.4 million project which is over-burdened with “wants,” rather than being a measured request to meet “needs,” does not strike the proper balance.
It is quite difficult to take a position that appears on the surface not to favor education. Any such appearance could not be further from the truth.
It is in fact my interest in and deep concern for the education of our students that has led me to my opinion. I believe that this project, at this time, is not in the best interests of our students and our community.
Brian Butler
Washington
