Cheers filled the Independence Elementary School cafeteria Monday night upon news that voters approved both an $83.7 million bond proposal and restoration of the full 18-mill non-homestead property tax.
‘It’s fabulous to see the community support is still there,? Board President Kurt Shanks said after Monday’s school board meeting, at which the results were announced.
In an election drawing almost 5,000 voters (a healthy increase from the past couple years), Tony Miller and John Koval came out ahead in the race for two seats on the board of education.
‘I’m exhausted, but I’m as happy as anybody in this community can be,? Miller said.
‘I’m so thrilled,? Koval said. ‘This is something I’ve wanted to do for several years. I’ve really developed an interest in the decision-making process.?
Koval and Miller were winners in an eight-person race to succeed Shanks and Janet Thomas, who decided not to run for reelection. Shanks said the new trustees and the good financial news are a good going-away present.
‘Janet and I are leaving with a clear conscience with the condition we’re leaving the district in,? Shanks said. ‘I’m thrilled.?
Superintendent Al Roberts used the same word to describe his feelings.
‘Never take for granted the citizens and their wisdom,? Roberts said. ‘Democracy worked.?
The ‘non-homestead? property tax issue included a partial renewal and an override of Headlee Amendment rollbacks. Although the 18 mills (to be levied against owners of businesses, rental properties and second homes) is considered a local tax, supporters said the renewal was essential to maintain the full per-student foundation grant from the state budget.
The bond issue will allow renovations and additions at various district buildings to alleviate overcrowding, add technology and reorganize the current high school and two middle schools into a sixth/seventh, eighth/ninth and 10th-12th grade configuration.
While optimism ran high during the campaign, Shanks admitted some concern.
‘You never take anything for granted,? he said. ‘It’s a complicated thing for people to understand. It was not just money; it’s reorganizing how our schools are structured.?
The school board has already hired consultants for technology and construction, but Roberts said a construction schedule has yet to be established.
‘We hope to have some projects underway this summer,? he said. ‘As soon as humanly possible, we’ll see a shovel.?
Board candidates had been generally complimentary to each other, and rarely disagreed at a candidate forum prior to the election. Miller and Koval each picked specific themes, however, and gave credit to word-of-mouth campaigning and support from groups in which they had already been involved.
‘I’ve gotten to know a lot of parents on a first-name basis, and I was relying on them to get out and vote for me,? Koval said. ‘Parental involvement is one of the main things I’ve done and I believe the school district needs.?
‘I want everything to be equal from the top to the bottom,? Miller said, repeating his ‘equitable education? slogan. He gave credit to friends, family and groups such as the athletic boosters for his victory.
‘Without a doubt, they were my biggest supporters,? he said. ‘They proved to me that loyalty can go a long way in this community.?