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Board debates separating early childhood center from middle school bond to reduce ballot ask
Summary
Board members discussed whether to present the early childhood center and middle school as separate ballot items to lower the district's tax ask and make a bond more palatable to voters. Consultants said componentized pricing and early outreach to the Jones Foundation could reduce the ask.
During the feasibility presentation, several board members argued the projects could be separated so voters would see a smaller tax impact for a single bond. One member said separating the projects "allows us more time to bring in extra funding or supplemental funding for the early childhood center," and suggested keeping the middle school as the top priority. The consultant said the team could present alternative packages (options A, B, X, Y) and work with construction partners to price discrete components such as an ag science/fitness addition or a lighter renovation.
Members asked staff to pursue early conversations with potential funders and to return with rough cost magnitudes for smaller-package options before the May board meeting. Consultants cautioned that reducing early childhood components could affect what outside funders, like the Jones Foundation, might commit to, because those funders were said to prioritize community-facing child-care and daycare elements.
Next steps: staff to gather component price ranges and to contact funders for clarity on potential commitments; the board will evaluate whether to present a combined or separated ballot package.
