BISD is conducting a survey.
BISD is conducting a survey to gauge the public's opinion on a possible ballot initiative. BISD School Board members are considering placing a $15 million capital measure on the February 2019 ballot in order to complete projects identified in the district’s 2016 bond request. These projects include completion of the Bainbridge High School project which supports programs for career, technical, fine and performing arts and special education; district-wide ongoing maintenance and repairs, and security upgrades.
To take the survey, please click here: https://goo.gl/forms/y2C8IPl6tHc2Xtq02. Please note: If you were one of the randomly selected Bainbridge Island citizens asked to participate in a recent telephone or online survey from CFM Communications, please do not take this additional survey.
Why is BISD considering this capital request?: In 2016, the district asked voters to approve a bond which would help cover the cost to rebuild Blakely Elementary, the Bainbridge High School 100 Building and perform essential renovations district-wide. The district asked voters (and the voters approved) a $81.2 million bond, although the district knew the projects would cost an estimated to $91.2 million). BISD believed other money was available to close the funding gap and BISD did not want to overcharge taxpayers. However, some of the funding sources (such as a grant from OSPI) did not come through. This loss — coupled with unanticipated district projects, new building code requirements from the City of Bainbridge Island and unprecedented construction costs in our region — has left the funding short for the projects.
Why doesn’t the district put the projects on hold and wait for the construction industry to slow down?
A: This could be one strategy, but it comes with a cost. Given the current condition of the BHS 100 building, the district would need to invest capital dollars into patching and repairing many areas, including roof replacement and infrastructure improvements (fire, electrical, structural).
Additionally, due to increases in population in the greater-Seattle area and aging buildings, school districts in our region have passed $7 billion in school bonds in recent years with billions more expected to be brought before voters over the next few years. Postponing new construction does not improve educational facilities or provide the space necessary to support 21st Century Learning.
A July 2018 article from The Seattle Times stated that for the third year in a row, Seattle leads the country in the number of construction cranes in use. At the time of the article, Seattle had 65 cranes, followed by Chicago with 40 and Los Angeles with 36. This construction boom puts a premium price on materials and creates labor shortages in Western Washington.
To clarify, voters passed a $81.2 million bond in 2016 to replace Blakely Elementary, replace the 100 building at BHS and to perform essential renovations district-wide. However due to a number of factors — including the region’s construction boom and new code requirements — there are not enough funds to complete the projects
A:. That is correct. High rates of market escalation, import and export tariffs, new building code and land-use requirements (for instance, the City of Bainbridge Island required the new Blakely project entry drive to align with Baker Hill Road, an underground water retention vault for stormwater management and extensive habitat mitigation costing approximately $1.6 million) and an increase in sales tax have all contributed to an estimated $10 million shortfall for the original projects.
If the shortage is estimated to be $10 million, why is the district considering asking voters to approve $15 million?
A: The additional $5 million will be used to upgrade school safety district-wide such as keyless locking systems, single point of entry and security cameras; update older buildings to comply with the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) and continue to upgrade aging mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems which will lower utility and operating costs. These crucial projects would otherwise not be funded.
Why doesn’t the district scale back the construction projects?
A: Throughout the entire design process the team has focused on opportunities for cost reductions.
The district elected early in the Blakely replacement project to gain approval from the state to use an alternative construction delivery method called general contractor/construction management (GC/CM). This method allows the contractor to work alongside the district and architect to use cost effective designs, materials and minimize site costs.
The district is committed to building 50+ year schools that have a high-degree of energy efficiency and ease of maintenance. The district’s buildings are designed to meet 21st Century Learning environments while maximizing flexibility. As educational programs evolve, our buildings need to support change and provide the ability to address future growth.
What are the plans for the theater space at BHS?
A: Originally BISD was going to rebuild the theater near its current location, adjacent to the 100 building. However, an out-of-the-box idea was presented to the 100 Building Committee and it was met with great enthusiasm.
After receiving feedback from BHS administration that the current commons space in the 200 building is in use only during lunch (for approximately two hours/day), and then is locked for the remainder of the day (for security reasons), the architect recommended relocating the commons to the 100 building where it would be at the center of campus. This would provide open access to the commons during the school day and allow school administrators to keep a watchful eye on the space.
The current commons would then be transformed into a performing arts venue and provide seating for 350-400 people. According to the district’s theater consultant, the current commons space offers an ideal environment for transformation, as the original design intent provides visual access and supports all elements of performance activities.
When will the School Board make the decision to place a measure on the ballot?
A: A Superintendent's Advisory Workgroup (SAW) has been formed and is comprised of community members, members from the certificated and classified unions, school board members and district administrators. SAW will provide a recommendation to the School Board in September.
The district has engaged the services of CFM Strategic Communications who will be surveying members of the Bainbridge Island community in early August. The results from the survey will help shape SAW’s recommendation.
I’d be interested in taking the survey. How can I?
A: CFM Strategic Communications will be calling a random sample of Bainbridge Island residents. If you aren’t selected, you can participate in the online survey which will be available in mid-to-late August.