On April 23 the FSD hosted the "May 2008 Capital Projects Bond Community Forum." A chance for the community to ask questions about the bond, we welcome these opportunities and encourage such forums.
We wanted to make sure that we had some of our more pressing questions answered. We did get answers and here they are:
Q: 1) Does the board have a plan B should the may bond fail? If so what is it?
A: FSD answer was that the district would not do anything with Custer elementary if the bond failed. The districts reasoning was that the FSD did not want to spend money on, in their judgement, insufficient options. there where no comment on North Bellingham.
Q: 2) Of the $3.6 million bond approved by the voter in 2006 for the upgrades of Custer elementary, how much of that money has gone to the repairs of Custer elementary?
A: FSD answer was none of it.
Q: 3) How long will the community be paying off the $21 million bond, if approved?
A: FSD answer was 17 years.
Q: 4) Will the FSD be able to finance any additional projects in the near future without affecting property taxes?
A: FSD answer was that is difficult to determine.
Q: 5) In the next 10 year time frame, what are additional projects the FSD plans to propose and how much will they cost the taxpayer?
A: FSD answer was very lengthy and not very specific, the conclusion was that they will have projects to propose and they will cost money.
Q: 6) In light of the North Bellingham structural deficiency discovery, does the FSD have a comprehensive survey play in place to prevent structural surprises, in the other schools, in the future?
A: FSD answer was yes we do.
Q: 7) How much less in taxes will we pay if the bond fails?
A: FSD answer was we will pay $1.02 on every $1000 assessed property value if the bond fails and we will pay $1.34 on every $1000 assessed property value if the bond passes. The example was given that on a $300,000 home property taxes would decrease by roughly $100 if the May bond fails.
We where not satisfied with the caliber of answer we received on questions 2, 4, 5, 6. We would appreciate if the an official representative of the FSD could visit the Change Ferndale website and more completely answer these questions.
I hope that this information is helpful to those who could not make it. On that note the Ferndale Planning Commission had their last regular meeting regarding big box retail at the same time and date. This was the last opportunity for members of the community to comment publicly before the issue goes, with recommendations, to the city council.
Large retail development is the most important economical issue facing Ferndale, and its outcome will have huge implications for the tax base, the community, and also education. We would hope that in the future the FSD would coordinate their own meetings with the regularly schedualed city meetings, so that members of the community can have the opportunity to attend both and not have to choose one or the other.
Thank you
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19 comments:
To "the bob"
If you look at the top of the main page you will see an active link to materials that will show the historic schools in Washington State. We can all thank Art for providing this link.
Thanks Art and I hope this helps you Bob
I drove through Ferndale today and up Church Road and saw the new school North of Town (Cascade?). Wow, what a structure. Very fancy. I'm sure someone knows what it cost the citizens of Ferndale for the new school. Anyway...
My bigger question is whether the new school is typical in cost/price of a normal elementary school, or are Ferndale citizens paying a premium for a structure like that? And, is education enhanced by it?
Maybe another way to phrase the question: What is the average/typical cost PER FOOT of a new school in suburban cities and towns across the WA state, and what is Ferndale paying per foot for this school?
Further, is this the type and design of the 2 (3?) future schools they want. I understand or read they are using same architect?
THank you for this site.
Tom, this new school certainly 'looks' fancy and there is absolutely no doubt that it costs substantially more to build than a box design. Ask any builder and they will tell you any time you add an angle to a building it increases the construction cost and good gracious there are no shortages of angles and elevation changes with that school on Church Rd.
Is the learning experience enhanced by an aesthically pleasing design?
I'm a dinosaur and went to the box school. My kids went to a little more modern school. Luckily my parents were involved and I was involved with my kids education. I don't think the building means squat to an elementary student. My kids went through this system and my observation was that propping up kids self-esteem was as important than education in many instances. All the deficiencies in my childrens education would not have been alleviated with new buidings. For many kids these facilities will be the nicest, newest buildings they ever spend any signficant time in (except for new jails later in their life). Is their self-esteem worth the cost?
What doesn't get enough play is that these facilities are built for, to a large extent, the employees. It's ALL about attracting and retaining employees. When we argue that home school kids can learn in a kitchen or living room enviroment, the response is that facilities don't matter if the teaching experience is one on one. But since the schools ALWAYS have a too high student to teaher ratios, the facilities become paramount in importance. To who? Well we have to keep the teachers happy so they will come back instead of going to a richer school district with newer schools and nicer rooms and better views and more amenities and so on. FSD won't come out and say this publicly but you can bet this is a huge consideration if not the highest. Do not underestimate the power of the teachers union.
How rude of you to blame the teachers union. I can guarantee you that the teachers are not demanding a new school. They simply want a school that is safe and doesn't make students and teachers sick (and yes, it makes people sick). Teachers could care less what the view is like. They would love smaller class sizes, however. They are definately maxed out. Don't blame the teachers for this matter! You may have a good idea though...
Anon, I am not 'blaming' the teachers or the union for anything. I didn't mean it be a cheap shot and apologize if it came across like that.
The strength of the union and the pressure they can bring to bear on any issue they decide is not minor. The facilities where employees work absolutely is a factor affecting the employees. Management knows this.
The new school does have a nice view, and I think most people will appreciate it including the teachers who will work there. It will enhance the workplace.
-who authorizes a special election;
-where is this expense budgeted;
-what is the cost;
-how many can they do consecutively?
I called County Election Office and ask those four questions.
Answers from Deputy Auditor:
1) FSD Board of Directors (School Board) authorized this special election
It was adopted by Board as a Resolution no 4-2008 in April, and sigh by president of the Board and four directors.
2) Special Election is requested by School District, authorized by District Board of Directors and sent to County Election Office for implementing. School District is paying all expenses for all special election.
3) County Election Office can provide only a rough estimate of how much this election will cost.
Final actual cost (such as printing, distribution, vote counting, certifying and all other administrative expenses) will have to be barred by FSD (taxpayer).
Later today Election Office will provide its estimate, and we will post it as soon, as we will get it.
4) How often this same election can be rune is unclear.
I have been referred to FSD attorney, Election Office attorney or State attorney to try to get answer for it. We will try to follow up on that very reasonable question.
Perhaps somebody reading this blog can tap in?
Thanks for your questions; I hope above answers helps in your decisions.
I spoke to the county elections department today, 5/7/08, and was told that a rough estimate of what the May special election was going to cost the school district is $34,000.00. Our tax dollars at work! The school board doesn't seem to be bothered spending OUR money.
County Auditor’s office representative just called us, and conformed, that $ 34,000 is a estimate tag for May’s special election. Regardless of final $ amount,taxpayer of Ferndale School District will have to pay it all. Our tax money at work…
As far, as how many times this same bond request can be forced on taxpayer, so far no clear answer.
Repeating bond requests can have different wording, $ amount can be juggle, issues separated, etc.
We still try to get some more specific answers, and will report, as soon, as we will get them.
There are lots of opinions on bond issues in this week’s Ferndale Record Journal.
It is encouraging to see taxpayer getting involved.
Democracy is death without that involvement, and uncheck authorities extremely danger.
I have an idea why don’t Art and Nor Rosa run for the school board since they feel so strong it lacks good leadership. Could it be they really don’t want to get involved they just want to complain? It’s much easier to sit in the tavern and complain with their cronies. Leave the hard work and tough decisions to someone else. All school board meetings are open to the public. The bond committee is always looking for individuals to participate. Maybe Art and Norb can get involved with the next bond committee and really participate.
As far as Custer being a historic school. The oldest part of the school was torn down in the 1980's and replaced. Custer is now made up of 4 or 5 additions. People need to get over this historic stuff. There are way to many electrical problems and structural issues to just keep remodeling. Things change. Custer Cougar
Thanks for your suggestions “Custer Cougar”.
Latest events in FSD were “eye opener” for many of us.
I was unaware till now how ineffective FSD leadership is.
FSD is one from the best financially supported school district in the state
(thanks in part to tax base from refinery and Alcoa), district traditionally supported by
area taxpayers.
Over the last 20 years I personally have been working on renovation and other construction projects in dozens of School Districts in British Columbia and Washington State.
Based on my observations and experiences there should be no reasons for our district to be in any kind of financial troubles, if resources would be managed in responsible way with expectations not exceeding our means.
With our potential if FSD can’t do it, hardly any of school districts in the state could (maybe with a exception of super wealthy Bellevue school district).
As far, as your “tavern comment”, historically lots of great ideas were born in the taverns.
I invite you to drop down to “Frank-N- Stain”, and participate in our conversations (root beer on my).
All opinions are welcomed, and Lloyd’s pub is very friendly.
On questioning a historic aspect of Custer Elementary School I have to respectfully disagree.
It is clearly landmark, traditional, unique structure, full of tradition, history, memories and once demolished would be lost forever.
How many remaining testimonies to the “Great Depression” era besides Custer Elementary we have in our area?
How ironic it would be, when institution chartered to educate future generations would be responsible for raping those generations from opportunity to learn, and teach respect to the tradition, history, and culture?
In many traditional cultures that kind of behavior would be judged as barbaric and almost criminal.
Building is clearly much more, than just a school, and demolition decision should be extra carefully consulted with community at large.
Just a reminder, that over 50 % (more than district average) of voters in Custer area rejected bond last March. If FSD plan would be supported Custer residents would like new school, and it hasn’t been the case.
Thanks for your participation in this healthy debate, I hope you will vote “NO” this special election and you will join our growing group of reform supporters.
Desperately needed “change” is clearly on the horizon.
Art
I've read the info sent by FSD and have been on tours of the two locations. Both schools are in dire need of demolition. I'm voting yes because the legacy I want to leave my grandchildren (I don't have any yet)is one of quality schools not of wasteful spending on crumbling buildings. Bringing Custer up to code would cost more than a new school without adding needed space. The new schools are designed to be 50 year buildings - an updated Custer won't last that long. I believe there are historic buildings and there are sentimentally "historic" buildings. Custer falls into the latter category.
The cost of building the needed schools is only going to increase and who knows how long we can count on matching funds from Olympia. Now is the best time to build. The current building plan of FSD will actually save millions of dollars over the life of the new schools and will better meet the growing needs of our community.
The bond narrowly failed last time. I understand that FSD polled citizens of Ferndale and found many people assumed the bond would pass and did not bother to vote. Many people were stunned that it failed and I hope they all cast a "YES" vote.
I also think there are members of Change Ferndale who hope to profit from their stance that Custer School is historic and should be renovated. If the bond fails and Custer is renovated (NOTE - there won't actually be any money for renovation without a future bond-the remaining $2.6 million won't even come close to covering the costs and we won't get matching funds from the State)it will be interesting to see who bids on the project. I'll bet spending millions on Custer won't seem so wasteful then.
Anon your last post is all but bull shit!
You make a bunch of claims which I know are crap.
CFF does not do projects which are in a conflict of interests.
They have exellent integrity which I would like to see from more people.
Who and how did you poll anyone? Chat with a few friends at the library?
Why don't you go down to the pub and bring the people you polled and engage in a good debate on the issue.
They actually serve rootbeer which has been fantastic as of late.
NOBULL
My claims are factual and verifiable. The only crap is what you are pushing with Change Ferndale. Change Ferndale into what? A district with sub-standard schools?
No need to get ugly anonymous posters.
It is clear that FSD has a plan, and was betting on May bond to pass.
It is clear that over half of the voters voted for bond to pass, but numbers didn’t reached required 60%, so bond fail.
It is clear, that FSD is re running identical bond in May’s special election, process estimated to cost districts taxpayer extra $34,000.
It is clear that FSD leadership decided to spend one million dollars from $ 3, 6 mill 2006 Custer renovation bond for unauthorized by taxpayer design for replacement school,
It is clear that all North Bellingham recent” saga” is not great legacy to leadership of FSD, and unsafe conditions for generations of students attending North Bellingham Elementary in the last few decades doesn’t generate confidence in FSD leadership .
It is clear, that on May 20, 2008 district voter will have repeated chance to express desire regarding future of two schools.
It is clear, that expectation of “change” in FSD is not unreasonable (to “what” and “how” remain to be seen.)
Lastly, on professional level: our construction company does construction and renovation of public buildings and structures for the last 20 years (including number of schools in different districts).
We have impressive list of successful public projects completed in Poland, Norway, Canada (B.C.) and Washington State.
We are very proud of our professional achievements and millions of dollars saved with our involvement by taxpayers of Poland, Norway, Canada and USA.
As a matter of our construction company policy we don’t do business with agencies, or organizations we have any non commerce relationships. We try proactively to prevent even appearance of potential of “conflict of interest”.
That would include City of Ferndale and FSD. It will also be interesting for me, how Custer Elementary School renovation project will evolve and North Bellingham Elementary problem will be address. I will try to get directly involved in that process.
Custer Elementary latest classrooms addition, restroom renovation and some structural improvements in the late 1990 were our first construction project in USA, before we moved to Ferndale permanently.
My intimate knowledge acquired during almost a year working in Custer decade ago, and 20 years public projects construction and renovations experience including number of various school districts let’s me to believe, that there are better ways to solve our problems, and vote “No” is a wise choice this time around.
Smart managing of our tax money would be the best legacy we can leave to our grandchildren.
Depth to finance extravagant projects wouldn’t be a legacy,children or grandchildren will appreciate.
Happy voting.
Art
I havent seen an orginization create more damaging policy to childrens education then the ferndale school district.
The superintendant is a beurocratic parasite desperately eating up whatever money the community will give him under the "vote yes on schools" retoric. He has wated our money and now at the worst possible time is asking for even more money, money i sure as hell dont have and will have less of because food is expensive and gas is through the roof, to tear down buildings that shouldnt be schools in the first place.
North bellingham is a dangerours place for kids (way to look out for our kids Rodger) and Custer is a school in the middle of nowhere atleast its safe i guess.
I'm curious how on earth the district is doing its job when teachers are getting fired because we are strapped for cash, but none of the administration is getting fired? Are they more important to childrens education then the teachers are?
The board that is suppose to keep the superintendants stupid policy suppressed is not doing its job either. It would be wrong to say they are stuffed shirts, No they are empty pockets of air occupieing space and the only time the occupy space is when they become bobbleheaded dolls shaking their head in agreement to whatever Rodger says.
Maby change is what we need nothing drastic but atleast better then bottom of the baral leadership. Our kids atleast deserve not to loose the teachers that teach them now.
Has anyone thought to ask what the difference in energy consumption would be in just renovating Custer as compared to building an new school with the latest building codes? It seems to me that this is a consideration that no one has even thought about.
Steve,
We shear your concerns.
Building codes are not making buildings more energy efficient – designs, chosen construction materials, right equipment, human habits, proper maintenance etc are.
It is false assumption that”new” will be automatically more efficient, than retrofitted existing, old building.
New designs are full of glass walls, more energy efficient compared to single glass of that same area, but not as efficient, as traditionally constructed stud wall with butt insulation and vapor barrier as an example.
Often, to see immediate saving results all what is needed in retrofitting of old building, and make it more efficient would be lamps retrofits, installation of timers on the existing, analog thermostats, additional installation of thermal insulation in the ceilings, crawlspaces, some critical areas of the walls, etc., simple, relatively inexpensive solutions with great energy saving consequences.
Unfortunately for any public institution to establish effective program of that nature would require proactive involvement and true, effective leadership, supported by community to systematically retrofit buildings, and it is more often, that not not a case.
All our school buildings should have structural and energy retrofitting, smart, effective and inexpensive multiyear, ongoing programs to address those concerns. As a direct result of that work we, taxpayers would have real, positive monetary and natural environment savings, making our kids safer in all of FSD buildings, not just a few “new” elementary schools, and all old and new buildings cheaper to operate.
We would encourage present and future FSD leadership to conceder district wide energy and safety district wide survey of all buildings, creating realistic structural and energy smart upgrade plan, and systematically implementing it- all that with direct involvement of our broad community members.
Steve; Thank you for bringing your environment concerns forward, and getting engage in the dialog.
Art
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