OPINION: Why vote yes for the Bigfork High School bond?

I think instead of focusing on the he said/she said or on who was or who was not on the planning committee, we should be focusing on the facts surrounding the Bigfork High School bond proposal. 

These facts have been posted around the town of Bigfork and on numerous websites for the last several months.

A few of the facts are as follows: 

Pipes that run through the science lab leak and outdated gas lines and ventilation systems have limited the science lab to just a few working stations.

The ninth-grade science room is operating in a converted space without windows or outside air access. 

The computer room is too small, outdated and unable to host most regular classes. 

Health classes currently do not have a classroom and must utilize gym bleachers. 

High school classes are being held in the elementary/middle school. 

High School special education classrooms are too small and are currently operated out of a converted storage area. 

Currently, high school students have to walk outside and across the parking lot in order to pick up lunch in the elementary school cafeteria, walk it back to the high school and then sit on the floor or at a desk in a classroom since there is no designated eating area.

Room temperatures in many of the classrooms are subject to outside weather conditions as the windows are inefficient and worn out.

There is no sprinkler system within the building.

There is only one, private wheelchair accessible restroom on the main floor of the high school.

This bond proposal will add eight classrooms (science labs, science classrooms, general classrooms, computer facility, and band). This bond proposal will provide a cafeteria/lunch facility for our students.  This bond proposal will upgrade and restore our auto and wood shop spaces to modern code standards. This bond proposal will create a safe environment for our students and educators — close to $5 million of the $14 million proposed in this bond will go towards bringing our high school up to code with respect to safety, energy efficiency and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance.

In addition, current interest rates are low. For example, per the 2014/15 tax year, if the “assessed value” of your property is $100,000 the estimated “annual tax increase” to support the bond would be $34.77, estimated $2.89 a month. If the “assessed value” of your property is $200,000, then the estimated “annual tax increase” to support the bond would be $69.54, estimated $5.80 a month. If the “assessed value” of your property is $300,000, then the estimated “annual tax increase” to support the bond would be $104.31, estimated $8.67 a month. If the “assessed value” of your property is $400,000, then the estimated “annual tax increase” to support the bond would be $139.08, estimated $11.59 a month.

If you would like to see the condition of the high school for yourself and take a tour, if you have additional questions about what the bond will cost you, or if you are generally seeking additional information please call the district office at 837-7400.

The Bigfork I know and love is passionate and prudent and this bond proposal is just that.

Deborah Johnson, of Bigfork, is the parent of two elementary school students.