[img]1705|right|Mike Reynolds||no_popup[/img]If a stray musician can be unearthed in this entertainment paradise, he should crank up a few bars of the “Anniversary Waltz” when Mike Reynolds enters Council Chambers for this evening’s 7 o’clock School Board meeting.
This is the final day of Mr. Reynolds’s first year as assistant superintendent of business for the School District.
In the ongoing drama regarding a bond campaign, now marching in place until community confirmation is conferred, Mr. Reynolds will make a 32-line power point presentation.
“My main message will be that we are continuing to explore details of what a future bond measure might mean in terms of improving our school facilities,” Mr. Reynolds said.
His overview will include a consideration of placing both a parcel tax and a bond measure on next June’s ballot.
As of this morning, School District officials have had one round of meetings with the three sub-committees into which the School Board has been divided.
The Facts, Finances and Timelines sub-committee of Karlo Silbiger and Prof. Patricia Siever will hold its second meeting this afternoon at 4:45 in the District offices, adjourning an hour later to shlep over to City Hall.
“We are continuing to get a pulse on what the community feels and perceives about the facilities needs of the District,” Mr. Reynolds said.
It is too early, he added, to tell how deep community support runs for a bond, or for a double dip, including a parcel tax.
“Last June’s (400-)voter opinion survey seemed to indicate there is significant community support for addressing our capital needs,” Mr. Reynolds said.
Here is his agenda:
Capital Needs/Bond and Subgroups Report
Capital Needs
• Safety and security must be considered above all else.
• Strongly consider investments that save money (for example, energy efficiency).
• Develop a Master Facility Plan based on our future student needs.
• Note that the CDE template for Master Facilities Plans is very comprehensive.
• Consider replacing portable classrooms with permanent ones.
• District restrooms are in dire need of a major renovation.
• Classroom heaters – the majority are noisy and lack outside air for combustion.
• The central Library/Multi-Purpose Room needs HVAC.
• Two-story classrooms need HVAC.
Bond
• Policy Issue: Underwriting subject to competitive bids rather than negotiated.
• Consider June for a ballot measure.
• Leverage bond funds to the fullest extent with all other capital funding sources.
Bond Sub-Committees
Master Facility Planning
• Teaching and learning goals must be connected to facilities.
• Proposed capital investments – category summaries.
• Health and Safety must always be first priority.
• Survey investments made by other districts from their own bond proceeds.
• Develop a standardization plan for district product specifications.
• Consider Lin Howe parking, El Marino air filtration, toilets, faucets, sinks.
• Consider Phase Two of the Frost Auditorium and our Athletic Field improvements.
Facts, Finances, Timelines
• Consider June for a ballot measure.
• Districts rarely issue bonds all at once – three-year spend-down IRS rule.
• We should mix and match the term of a bond with the useful life of the investments.
• Focus on leveraging local bond funds from all other possible sources.
• The state caps bonds at $60/$100,000 valuation regardless of bonding capacity.
• Bond language should empower all potential projects.
• Consider the benefits of both a bond measure and a parcel tax at the same time..
Education and Engagement
• Critical message components – Photos, bond tax rate, project list and costs.
• Available mediums – Culver Currents, local press, District website, blogs.
• Message recipients – Parents, seniors, PTA members, students, community opinion-makers.
• Projects Priorities – Safety and security, ADA requirements, investments that save energy/money.
• Investments – Middle School, high school improvements benefit all students.
• Important Goals – Generate trust with our community, guarantee value, consider negatives.
