Approve a bond for Alburnett schools

On Tuesday, March 3, the Alburnett School Board is asking for your vote to approve a general obligation bond. The School Board heard your concerns after the initial vote, resulting in some frank and honest conversations about this project. The Board agrees that we now have a better plan that improves our students' learning environment. Some have asked what we cut from the first plan, and the answer is simple: nothing. We modified the plan to add 14 classrooms, instead of 10 and added a multipurpose facility at the Martin Athletic Complex. This facility will address the long-identified storage needs at the complex, as well as provide a storm refuge location for players and spectators.

The Board, and its most recent members, take the financial health of the school district seriously. This can be seen with the 2007 General Obligation bond. The School Board aggressively paid down the principal, saving $395,978 in interest and will subsequently pay it off seven years early. The project that we are proposing will cost more in the future, as construction material costs historically increase over 5 percent every year. Anyone that has been following the future Alburnett Fire Station can attest to the rising costs of materials.

Alburnett has extraordinary students and staff that are passionate and excited about learning. They deserve to have the facilities to match! By voting 'Yes” to both questions presented on the ballot you will be voting yes to our community's commitment to our collective future.

Yon Abel

Alburnett School Board member

Toddville