Board signals two‑year repayment for $4.4M life‑safety bonds; approves A/E and construction manager contracts

District officials told the board they plan to issue about $4.4 million in life‑safety bonds to fund projects previously discussed and that approximately $300,000 in remaining life‑safety bond funds could be applied to fall work. The board held a straw poll on repayment structure and signaled preference for a two‑year repayment schedule; administration said a two‑year structure balances taxpayer impact and interest costs and they will instruct bond counsel accordingly. The board gave directional consensus in the meeting (show of hands) to pursue the two‑year option. Separately, the board approved a proposal from White and Company for architectural and engineering services for life‑safety improvements and a proposal for construction management services; both motions passed on recorded roll call votes with all board members voting “Aye.” Administrators said the district will hold a public hearing on the bonds on Oct. 20, adopt necessary bond resolutions Nov. 17, and receive bond proceeds in December 2025 if the schedule proceeds as presented. Board members noted the levy repayment will be covered by the life‑safety levy and will not affect operating cash flow; a shorter repayment increases a single‑year tax burden while a longer schedule spreads payments with modestly higher total interest.