Letter to the Editor - Bond approval would fortify district facilities

Dear Editor;

At our June meeting, the Central Lee School Board approved a bond issue question that will appear on the ballot Tuesday, September 10. If approved, it would allow the district to move ahead on several key projects to update its facilities, enhance safety and provide more 21st century learning opportunities to students.

Of importance to our community, an approved bond would not increase local property taxes, keeping the total local tax rate at about $12.19 per $1,000 assessed property value. This is in keeping with the board's commitment to balancing the district's needs with those of our community, while making the most of every dollar taxpayers invest in our schools.

If passed, the bond would generate $12.9 million in additional funds for projects throughout Central Lee schools. The projects would provide improved traffic flow and more parking, new ADA-accessible locker rooms and new classrooms for preschool and our band and vocal programs. The bond would also allow for a new competition and performance gym for elementary, middle and high school events.

Additional proposed projects include an expanded high school commons area for better student collaboration and improved building flow, along with renovated space to create a new culinary arts classroom

Finally, and most importantly, an approved bond would allow the district to continue to enhance safety and security. The district would incorporate a new office at the main entrance of Central Lee High School that would enable staff to better monitor visitors entering and exiting the building. While our schools are already very safe, the board believes we must be proactive in ensuring the safety of students and staff now and in the future.

As a board, we want to ensure the entire Central Lee community has the opportunity to review the district’s needs, ask questions and provide feedback. In addition to a number of planned in-person community meetings, We have established a special bond webpage, at www.centralleebond.org, where you can learn more about the bond and the proposed projects. You will also find answers to frequently asked questions on the page.

We look forward to a productive conversation about the Central Lee Community School District in the weeks and months to come. Thank you for your ongoing support as we’ve worked to address the district’s facility needs.

Mark Hulsebus,
president of the Central Lee School Board.