We are writing this letter in support of the upcoming bond election for Battle Ground Public Schools.
Battle Ground continues to grow exponentially with houses springing up all across the district. Additional growth combined with aging facilities make it critical that we have new schools and facilities to meet the needs of our students in the near future.
Schools like Glenwood Heights built in 1956 was intended for 484 students but currently serves 800. The cost to maintain and make repairs on a building of this age is not cost effective.
It is imperative that our students have adequate facilities that provide safety and security as well as access to technology. So what does the bond pay for? This would replace Glenwood Heights Primary, Laurin Middle School and Pleasant Valley Primary and Middle School. It would also add another K-8 campus on the south end of the district to alleviate the growth.
Prairie High School built in 1979 would have renovation done to approximately 40 percent of the campus and Amboy Middle School will get a new gym, 300 building and a much needed covered play area. Additional information on the bond can be found at battlegroundps.org/bond or calling 360-885-5470.
It would seem that the cost to build all of these schools would come at a great cost to taxpayers in our community. However, what we find out is that our current bond and levy rate of $6.02 per $1,000 assessed value in 2017 will actually decrease to $6 per assessed value in 2019. This is a great value and benefit to our students.
In addition the construction of new projects in our area provides work and jobs to fuel our local economy. We believe in Battle Ground schools. Ballots have been mailed out and need to be postmarked by Feb. 13. Let’s support our schools by voting yes in the upcoming bond election.
