Superintendent urges voters to back Nov. 4 sinking-fund renewal for building repairs

Superintendent Mark Klein Hands asked trustees to help publicize a planned Nov. 4 renewal of the district's building-and-site sinking fund, emphasizing the measure is a renewal rather than a tax increase and that the money can be used only for capital improvements, not salaries. "Please vote on Tuesday, November 4th," he said, and directed trustees to mailers and a short video placed on the district website.

Mark listed recent capital work paid from the sinking fund, including playground and safety improvements at Bedford Elementary and new air conditioning at Hardy Elementary and upgrades to the Annapolis High School auditorium. He said committee volunteers and paid outreach (K12 Media) helped prepare materials and encouraged trustees to distribute flyers and talk to community members.

Trustees asked clarifying questions about outreach and fund accounting. Administration noted the audited sinking-fund balance shown in the June 30 audit (about $1.7 million) but acknowledged public comment later in the meeting that more recent expenditures may reduce immediately available cash. No formal board action was taken on the renewal at the meeting; administration said it will continue outreach ahead of the Nov. 4 vote.