WHAT IS A BOND ELECTION?
The process where a public entity goes to the voters to ask for permission to borrow money for facilities.
WHEN WILL THE BOND ELECTION TAKE PLACE?
Tuesday, June 26th, 2012, in conjunction with the general primary election.
WHAT WILL BE ON THE BALLOT?
A request for voters to approve the issuance of bonds for 65 million dollars to be used for renovation and new school construction.
HOW MUCH WILL THE BOND COST EACH TAXPAYER?
The tax rate will remain the same; and therefore, property owners will see no increase in their tax rate. However, the ballot will show a $37.00 increase on a $193,000 residence, which would be the increase if the district was not restructuring current debt.
HOW CAN BOND MONEY BE USED?
Bond money can only be spent for new school construction, property for school sites, furnishings, and remodeling/renovation projects. Bond money cannot be used on operation expenses.
WHAT PROJECTS ARE PLANNED?
Money would be used for the replacement of:
West Weber Elementary (1928)
Wahlquist Jr. High (1942)
North Park Elementary (1959)
Marlon Hills Elementary (1960)
Club Heights Elementary (1942)
(Note: Marlon and Club Heights would be consolidated.)
Money would be used for a Rocky Mountain Jr. High ten-classroom addition, North Ogden Jr. High gymnasium and cafeteria expansion and other smaller construction projects throughout the district.
WHY DO SCHOOLS NEED TO BE REPLACED?
The average age of the schools being replaced is 68 years old. The oldest is 84 years old. These schools lack the safety features, accessibility to the disabled as well as the infrastructure needed for optimal education. In addition, construction costs and interest rates are at an all time low.
WHAT GROWTH IS WEBER SCHOOL DISTRICT EXPERIENCING?
The district has grown by 2,322 students in the past decade and 1,649 since the bond of 2006. We are currently using 78 portable buildings as a temporary solution for overcrowding. Growth is particularly heavy in the northern and western portions of the school district. Bonding will enable the district to better address increased enrollment.
WHAT ABOUT THE AGING SCHOOL IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD?
Weber School District officials are aware that there are other needs in our district. More than half of all schools were built before 1970. An in depth evaluation has been conducted and the schools slated for rebuilding are those in the greatest need of replacement at this time. The construction of additional schools is planned for the near future; however, doing so now would mean having a tax increase associated with the bond.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF THE BOND IS NOT PASSED?
The schools in our community have needs that must be addressed. Our schools continue to age and construction costs continue to increase. If the initiative did not pass it would be placed on the ballot at a later date, however, the cost to the taxpayer would likely increase.
HOW MAY I OBTAIN AN ABSENTEE BALLOT OR REGISTER TO VOTE?
(801) 399-8400 or you may obtain an application online at
WHERE CAN MORE INFORMATION BE OBTAINED?
(801) 476-7800 or email us at Email Bond Info
