Dist. 91 addresses public on $84.5 million bond

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Story Published: Nov 5, 2009 at 6:26 PM MST

Story Updated: Nov 5, 2009 at 6:26 PM MST

By Anthony Congi

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IDAHO FALLS - Tonight at 7PM, anyone who would like to receive more information on District 91's proposed $84.5-million bond for school improvements, will be able to have their voice heard at Ethel Boyes Elementary.

"People have had some question in regards to the tax impacts and also questions about the scope of work that would be completed and the time line associated with that time line of that scope of work," says District 91 Superintendent, George Boland.

Every school in the district will be affected by the bond in some way.

Among the list of improvements, eight classrooms and a new science lab will be added to Idaho Falls High. The science wing at Skyline High would also be rebuilt. All schools would upgrade energy usage by eliminating single pane windows and switch to energy efficient lighting. The bond would also allow the district to build a brand new elementary school on the south side of town.

However, concerns of tax implications, and timing have been brought up in previous meetings.

"We attempt to inform them that because bond rates have been the lowest they been in forty years, construction costs are down, that this is a good opportunity to do this because its not a short term endeavor, it's a 20 year payback on the bond so if we can get the low interest rates now, that's a good value," says Boland.

The bond election is set for November 17 at both high schools and every district elementary school except Dora Erickson.

If passed, the bond amount would be 9 dollars and 17 cents per thousand dollars of taxable value. Total interest payments are about $38 million on $84.5.

"Which is an excellent ratio. Whether 9 dollars and 17 cents is an issue is certainly contingent on an individual's specific situation," says Boland.

For more on construction projects to each school and more information on the tax impact, go to the "Newslinks" section of our website.

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