Last remaining projects from 2006 bond issue underway

Last remaining projects from 2006 bond issue underway
Friday, July 23, 2010
This summer, the last few projects funded by the 2006 zero tax rate increase bond issue are being completed. Projects being completed from the 2006 facilities plan are kitchen renovations at Briar Crest Elementary, Bridgeway Elementary, Parkwood Elementary, Rose Acres Elementary and Pattonville Heights Middle School. Demolition on the old kitchens has begun, and the renovations will be completed in time for school to begin on Aug. 16, marking the completion of the 2006 facilities plan.

Projects in the 2006 facilities plan were funded by a $19 million zero tax rate increase bond issue. School districts use bond issues to fund large and long-range construction, maintenance or repair projects that would be too costly to cover with existing budget funds. In a bond issue, a school district borrows money by issuing promissory notes that it will repay its investors. In a zero tax rate increase bond issue, a school district repays the bonds through its existing budget, without raising its debt service tax rate that is devoted to paying down debts.

The 2006 bond issue included maintenance, repair and improvement projects at all schools. Projects ranged from renovating some heating and cooling systems to replacing temporary classroom trailers with permanent classroom additions.

What’s Next....
Because the majority of Pattonville’s schools are 40 to 50 years old and in need of constant repairs and maintenance, Pattonville worked during the 2009-2010 school year with its school communities to develop a new facilities plan for the future. On June 22, the 2010 facilities plan was approved by the Board of Education, and the board decided to ask voters to approve a $41 million zero tax rate increase bond issue during the Nov. 2, 2010 election. The new facilities plan includes projects for every school in Pattonville and addresses three main areas:
  • Ongoing maintenance and repair needs of aging schools, including heating and cooling equipment replacements, new windows and doors, roof repairs, lighting replacements, new ceiling tiles and asphalt repairs;
  • Enhancing school safety and security, which includes replacing fire and intrusion alarm systems at all schools, installing additional security cameras, fencing some playgrounds and renovating nurses’ offices; and
  • Providing facilities to support lifetime fitness and student involvement; this includes tracks at the middle schools and a new stadium, field and pool at Pattonville High School.
For more information, visit the Pattonville Legacy web site at legacy.psdr3.org.