WCS Presents Facility Plan: The Bottom Line
On May 5 voters will be faced with an opportunity to vote yes or no to a referendum that would allow for the rebuilding of Lincoln Elementary and the remodeling of Washington Elementary and Edgewood Middle School.
Lincoln Elementary
Though some are concerned about redistricting at Lincoln, the current plan to construct the new school would take advantage of greenway located in the back left corner of the lot. In this space a new, four section school could be constructed that would allow for adequate parent parking and space for parent pick up as well as a new, up-to-date playground and access to three streets to help protect walking students from buses and vehicles. Hoffert provided renderings of what a four section school could look like.
When looking at Lincoln, many may question why the school can not be updated as planned with Washington. According to Hoffert, Lincoln is past the point that renovations make financial sense. Hoffert noted that everyday Lincoln is open is a day past its life expectancy.
Washington and Edgewood
Proposed changes at Washington would include expansion onto the school, major and minor renovations to the infrastructure as well as a safe and secure entryway into the building.
Edgewood would see large classrooms split into smaller class spaces with “artery hallways” added to ensure safe classroom exits for all students. Accessibility will also be assessed at all schools to ensure ADA compliance.
Property Taxes
Though many may guess that the proposed plan would greatly increase current property taxes, according to information provided by Chief Financial Officer Kevin Scott, this is not so.
Unlike in the past when school corporations could save money to buy schools, schools must rely on property taxes to make major renovations or build new buildings. In addition, local school boards can no longer vote to move forward and build efficient buildings. Instead, a board must decide if the question will be allowed on a ballot for public vote.
The project is estimated to cost no more than $37,000,800 and would increase property tax for the school’s debt service fund no more than 13.8 cents per $100 of assessed valuation over the 20 years of the bond.
Scott explained that for a home assessed with a $100,000 value subtractions such as a homestead deduction, supplemental deduction and mortgage deduction would leave an equal net assessed value of $32,750, the amount that will be taxed.
That amount is then divided by 100 and multiplied by $0.138 to equal $45.85 yearly or $3.82 per month. Roughly the cost of a gallon of milk.
The average home value within the school corporation, per the US Census Bureau is $132k. With an assessed 13.8 cents applied, the tax rate impact would be $6.20 monthly. Comparatively, a $200k home would pay an estimated $15 per month.
[To read about the other projects in the Facility Plan see: WCS Presents Facility Plan: Lincoln Elementary,WCS Presents Facility Plan: Washington Elementary, WCS Presents Facility Plan: Edgewood Middle School]