The Kent School Board is having a public hearing tonight that could have major ramifications on school-improvement projects that local citizens could be seeing for years to come.
The board is hoping to hear from residents what the district’s top construction projects should be, from a $31 million bond issue passed by voters here in 2006.
The meeting starts 7 p.m. in the boardroom of the Administration Center, 12033 S.E. 256th St.
With the economy as stalled as it is, the district is holding off on selling nearly half of the $31 million bond issue, so as not to generate substantial tax increases for district residents.
Assistant Superintendent for Business Services Fred High said that as a result, some of the projects outlined in the 2006 bond will have to be delayed – but they won’t be dropped.
“The economy is going to have to recover, to get us to the point of selling the bonds,” he explained Tuesday. “Some things will have to be delayed.”
Tonight’s hearing is probably the last opportunity that residents here will have, to say what projects they want the district completing first.
The Kent School Board will meet in regular session Wednesday, and the board could be taking action on what those top projects should be, High said.
That meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m., also in the Administration Center board room.
Two of the projects that could be delayed are the Kent-Meridian High School gymnasium remodel and construction of a multi-purpose room at East Hill Elementary School, though roof repairs and repairs to heating and air conditioning systems at other schools are also among the projects that could be put on hold.
A sampling of the projects: (A complete list will be available at tonight’s hearing.)
Repainting interior of all buildings at Kentridge High School (except new addition).
Replace floor covering throughout all buildings, including gym, at Covington Elementary.
Replace gymnasium hardwood floor at Kent-Meridian High School.
Replace floor covering throughout main building, special chargers, science wing and hallways at Kentridge.
Replace heating and mechanical system at Park Orchard Elementary.
Replace classroom univents and gymnasium HVAC at Scenic Hill Elementary.
Classroom upgrade project at Kent-Meridian.
Renovate locker rooms at Kent-Meridian.
Science wing, career center remodels at Kentriddge.
Science wing remodel to accommodate chemistry at Kentwood High School.
For more information, contact the school district Community Connections office at 253-373-7524.
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