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BCSC extends its appreciation to the Columbus Area Chamber
of Commerce for endorsing the plan for High School
Renovations. The proposed renovations are important to
our community and important to the retention and growth of
businesses. We must:
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Improve
the way we serve students,
-
Improve
the existing facilities,
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And do so
in an affordable and responsible manner.
Only a handful of high schools around the state are
recognized by Governor Daniels, the Indiana Department of
Education, Indiana University, Purdue University and
University of Indianapolis as leaders in high school
reform. We are members of this select group. The
proposed renovations will support the innovative
“pathways” approach to high school education, giving
students multiple ways to feel connected and take
ownership for their learning. For example, this fall we
have early college options via partnerships with IUPUC,
Ivy Tech, and Vincennes University. In the fall of 2008,
we will implement K-12 New Tech schools. Other pathways
will be implemented in years to come.
A 2004 Curriculum Management Audit, conducted by Phi Delta
Kappa at our request and paid for with non-tax dollars,
led to a district-wide facilities master plan.
Recognizing the outdated conditions of Columbus North and
Columbus East, that master plan directed us to create a
specific high school facilities master plan in 2005.
Acting on that mandate, more than 50 faculty, staff,
parents, and community members have spent two years
developing the high school renovation plan now before the
public.
Our two high school facilities are tired and dated.
Decades old equipment, furnishing and finishes, along with
a need for additional classrooms drive our needs. The
existing conditions do not support the 21st century skills
needed for our students to compete. Compared to
neighboring communities, we are at a disadvantage in
recruiting and retaining families. We need to make
changes for the sake of our students and our community.
While the School Board has not set the scope of the
project, $123 million of needs have been identified. We
believe that a significant bond issue is affordable to the
community. Our total school tax rate ($1.37) is 236th of
293 public school systems. Our indebtedness as a
percentage of our assessed valuation is 231st. One penny
on our debt service rate raises $330,000 (.01 x $3.3
billion in assessed valuation) to make bond payments. A
$100 million bond issue might mean a yearly incremental
tax increase of $50 for a $100,000 home with an assessed
value of $80,000. The tax impact of the high school
project is not likely to occur until 2010 or 2011. BCSC
is retiring a major bond issue in 2008 providing an
opportunity to assume new debt with less financial
impact.
In the coming weeks, you will have the opportunity to
personally join us in support of important economic
development, the high school renovations project. I would
happy to personally talk to you or your organization.
Please feel free to call or email. Thank you. John Quick
Click here to see photos documenting areas that need
attention at both high schools in our community. |
