On the May 19 ballot, island residents have an opportunity to approve the next phase in the Bainbridge School District’s comprehensive 15-year master plan for renovation and revitalization of district facilities. This bond will fund replacement of the 50-year old Wilkes Elementary School, which is worn out beyond its serviceable life.
The bond includes needed roof, HVAC, electrical and structural repairs throughout the district – including $1 million for “green” upgrades that will save thousands of dollars for the operating budget.
Mr. James Behrend, in his letter (“Save millions: Repair Wilkes, don’t replace it,” March 20) asks why we can’t just renovate Wilkes instead of rebuilding it entirely. After all, he says, he attended school in a German structure originally built as a hospital in the 13th century which is still in use today after more than 700 years.
Obviously, 1950s school construction in America is hardly comparable to massive stone creations that usually took decades to construct. Not to mention, medieval renovators didn’t have to deal with modern code requirements.
In order to do the extensive renovations needed at Wilkes, the entire school building would have to be torn down to its foundation and frame to meet new fire, seismic, electrical and structural codes.
Professional engineers have advised the school district that a Wilkes renovation would cost almost as much as total replacement. And, only with replacement will island kids get the benefit of an efficient, maximally-functional new school.
Most importantly, approval of the school bond would allow us to replace an aged school (and other repairs throughout the district) without any increase in the current 2009 level of school construction taxes.
Because the district’s master plan is phasing its projects over 15 to 20 years, we are able to add this latest school bond as older bonds are being paid down.
A “yes” vote for improved school facilities will keep our taxes at a stable, manageable level.
Bruce Weiland
Former school board member
