Telluride R-1 School District
New Classrooms, Capital Improvements and Affordable Housing Bond
School District Bond Question 3A, November 4, 2008
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are the components and total cost of the various elements included in the bond question?
· Addition of eight classrooms located on the northeast portion of the campus directly behind the middle/high school.
· Renovations to the middle/high school, including an expansion of the kitchen and seating in the multipurpose room by adding a second level; and upgrades to the lobby/entry area.
· Renovations to the historic elementary school, including a new roof, brick repair and cleaning, landscaping, fencing and new boiler system.
· Sustainability and technology upgrades for the district, including new energy efficient heat and lighting systems and new infrastructure for technology.
· Affordable housing for employees: the development of seven lots located in Ilium Valley.
The total cost of the classrooms, renovations, and affordable housing is approximately $18 million.
What will be the tax impact on citizens?
The project budget for construction, renovation and affordable housing is $18 million. Even with the additional debt, residential and commercial properties with a $1 million market value will DECREASE by approximately $80 and $290 per year, respectively. This net decrease to property taxes is due to the early retirement of the district's 1999 debt issue. If the bond does not pass the tax decrease will be a $160 for a residential property with a $1 million market value and a decrease of $580 for commercial property of the same value.
Why does the school district need to build additional classrooms?
The student enrollment in the Telluride R-1 School District (TSD) has increased by an average of 4% each year over the past ten years. The schools are quickly approaching capacity; therefore the School Board is planning for new classrooms to accommodate projected growth. The district strives to keep the student/teacher ratio in the classroom below twenty, especially in primary grades. In 2000 the district enrollment was 533 students in preschool through K-12, and 2007 enrollment was at 715 students. The district has demographic projections for increasing by 30-50 students each year for the next ten years.
What would be an alternative to not building the additional classrooms?
One interim solution could be to purchase portable classrooms, that cost approximately $250,000 a unit. The temporary classrooms are not constructed for alpine climates; therefore, they are not environmentally sustainable. The district’s only option for installing these units would be on our campus, which would infringe on the soccer field.
How many classrooms are planned and what grade levels will be in this school?
The new addition is envisioned to house the middle school, with eight new classrooms. The historic Telluride Elementary School will be home to preschool through second grade, and the intermediate school and high school will expand into a portion of the current middle school space.
How can the Telluride School District ask for a bond measure now, with a faltering economy?
The student enrollment in Telluride is projected to grow despite national economic trends. The bond will not create a new or increased tax burden on the citizens of the R-1 School District.
What are the arguments in opposition to the bond?
Those in opposition to the bond would like to see a longer term solution for student growth. Another argument is for the greater tax decrease, as outlined in Question #2.
Will there be new curriculum, and recreational opportunities and community use planned in conjunction with the project?
Curriculum
a) A greenhouse will be sited adjacent to the new science classroom. The integration of horticulture into the science curriculum will be enhanced by this new facility.
b) There will be additional technology and networking capabilities available for all students. Portable computer labs will be shared by classrooms.
c) The landscape design includes outdoor classroom areas, and interior design includes a common area which is envisioned as a multiuse area for student learning and community gatherings.
Recreation and Community Use
A new bouldering/climbing area is being planned in the new addition to replace the climbing wall in the auxiliary gym. The auxiliary gym will be programmed with physical education classes and after school programs. The school facilities will continue to be used by Telluride Academy, Horizon Club, Film Festival, TCTV, Pinhead and other community partners.
With growing student enrollment and new classrooms how many additional teachers would be hired, and where will they find affordable housing?
There will be an additional classroom teacher hired for every twenty new students, with support teachers as needed for English Language Learners, special education and specials such as art, music and physical education. At capacity, the new addition will have up to 11 new staff members.
The district is working in conjunction with the local governments and developers to secure affordable housing options for employees. Currently the district owns four rental units and seven lots.
The district will be asking local citizens to support an affordable housing project as part of the bond question. The funds will be used to develop seven lots in Illium.
Where will the new addition be located?
The additional classrooms will be built behind the high school on the northwestern portion of the campus. The classrooms will be built above the parking area. The existing parking will be preserved, with an addition of four spaces.
Will the new addition have any common areas, such as a gym or cafeteria?
The new addition will have a commons area which could be used as a large classroom, gathering area or cafeteria. The seating area in the current Middle/High School cafeteria will be expanded by adding a second level. The capacity of the kitchen will be increased to accommodate the serving of additional lunches.
How many students from out of district are there in Telluride?
There are approximately 70 students, or 10% of the student population attending TSD from neighboring districts. The State of Colorado mandates an “open enrollment” for students, unless the district determines that overcrowding exists at designated grade levels. Out of district students could be denied admission based on the enrollment at each grade level. For example, if class sizes are over 20 in grade three, an out of district applicant could be asked to enroll in their home district.
When would the classrooms open if a bond is passed in November?
August, 2010
Has the district considered incorporating sustainable systems to reduce energy usage and increase efficiency?
Yes, the Neenan Company has contracted a mechanical engineer to advise the district regarding the costs and benefits of sustainable systems, including boiler replacement, lighting and air handling. The consultant will work in conjunction with the Regional Sustainability Coordinator to explore alternative heating/cooling options.
Why does the district use two classrooms in the Telluride Elementary School for the Telluride Early Childhood Center (TECC)?
The district provides these classrooms for the TECC so that many of our minority children and children experiencing developmental delays will have the opportunity to access early childhood education. The program is funded by a State grant and sliding scale tuition. Taking the two classrooms from TECC would not be a long-term solution for projected growth. The cost of this one year solution would be to deny Telluride’s most vulnerable preschoolers access to early learning that is critical to their future success.
Why does Telluride Elementary School need renovations?
The district seeks to honor the preservation of the historic elementary school, originally build in 1896. The building has two significant health and safety concerns, including the replacement of the boiler system and roof. Additional upgrades include exterior masonry cleaning and repairs, landscaping and fencing, and fourth floor day lighting.
New Classrooms, Capital Improvements and Affordable Housing Bond
School District Bond Question 3A, November 4, 2008
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are the components and total cost of the various elements included in the bond question?
· Addition of eight classrooms located on the northeast portion of the campus directly behind the middle/high school.
· Renovations to the middle/high school, including an expansion of the kitchen and seating in the multipurpose room by adding a second level; and upgrades to the lobby/entry area.
· Renovations to the historic elementary school, including a new roof, brick repair and cleaning, landscaping, fencing and new boiler system.
· Sustainability and technology upgrades for the district, including new energy efficient heat and lighting systems and new infrastructure for technology.
· Affordable housing for employees: the development of seven lots located in Ilium Valley.
The total cost of the classrooms, renovations, and affordable housing is approximately $18 million.
What will be the tax impact on citizens?
The project budget for construction, renovation and affordable housing is $18 million. Even with the additional debt, residential and commercial properties with a $1 million market value will DECREASE by approximately $80 and $290 per year, respectively. This net decrease to property taxes is due to the early retirement of the district's 1999 debt issue. If the bond does not pass the tax decrease will be a $160 for a residential property with a $1 million market value and a decrease of $580 for commercial property of the same value.
Why does the school district need to build additional classrooms?
The student enrollment in the Telluride R-1 School District (TSD) has increased by an average of 4% each year over the past ten years. The schools are quickly approaching capacity; therefore the School Board is planning for new classrooms to accommodate projected growth. The district strives to keep the student/teacher ratio in the classroom below twenty, especially in primary grades. In 2000 the district enrollment was 533 students in preschool through K-12, and 2007 enrollment was at 715 students. The district has demographic projections for increasing by 30-50 students each year for the next ten years.
What would be an alternative to not building the additional classrooms?
One interim solution could be to purchase portable classrooms, that cost approximately $250,000 a unit. The temporary classrooms are not constructed for alpine climates; therefore, they are not environmentally sustainable. The district’s only option for installing these units would be on our campus, which would infringe on the soccer field.
How many classrooms are planned and what grade levels will be in this school?
The new addition is envisioned to house the middle school, with eight new classrooms. The historic Telluride Elementary School will be home to preschool through second grade, and the intermediate school and high school will expand into a portion of the current middle school space.
How can the Telluride School District ask for a bond measure now, with a faltering economy?
The student enrollment in Telluride is projected to grow despite national economic trends. The bond will not create a new or increased tax burden on the citizens of the R-1 School District.
What are the arguments in opposition to the bond?
Those in opposition to the bond would like to see a longer term solution for student growth. Another argument is for the greater tax decrease, as outlined in Question #2.
Will there be new curriculum, and recreational opportunities and community use planned in conjunction with the project?
Curriculum
a) A greenhouse will be sited adjacent to the new science classroom. The integration of horticulture into the science curriculum will be enhanced by this new facility.
b) There will be additional technology and networking capabilities available for all students. Portable computer labs will be shared by classrooms.
c) The landscape design includes outdoor classroom areas, and interior design includes a common area which is envisioned as a multiuse area for student learning and community gatherings.
Recreation and Community Use
A new bouldering/climbing area is being planned in the new addition to replace the climbing wall in the auxiliary gym. The auxiliary gym will be programmed with physical education classes and after school programs. The school facilities will continue to be used by Telluride Academy, Horizon Club, Film Festival, TCTV, Pinhead and other community partners.
With growing student enrollment and new classrooms how many additional teachers would be hired, and where will they find affordable housing?
There will be an additional classroom teacher hired for every twenty new students, with support teachers as needed for English Language Learners, special education and specials such as art, music and physical education. At capacity, the new addition will have up to 11 new staff members.
The district is working in conjunction with the local governments and developers to secure affordable housing options for employees. Currently the district owns four rental units and seven lots.
The district will be asking local citizens to support an affordable housing project as part of the bond question. The funds will be used to develop seven lots in Illium.
Where will the new addition be located?
The additional classrooms will be built behind the high school on the northwestern portion of the campus. The classrooms will be built above the parking area. The existing parking will be preserved, with an addition of four spaces.
Will the new addition have any common areas, such as a gym or cafeteria?
The new addition will have a commons area which could be used as a large classroom, gathering area or cafeteria. The seating area in the current Middle/High School cafeteria will be expanded by adding a second level. The capacity of the kitchen will be increased to accommodate the serving of additional lunches.
How many students from out of district are there in Telluride?
There are approximately 70 students, or 10% of the student population attending TSD from neighboring districts. The State of Colorado mandates an “open enrollment” for students, unless the district determines that overcrowding exists at designated grade levels. Out of district students could be denied admission based on the enrollment at each grade level. For example, if class sizes are over 20 in grade three, an out of district applicant could be asked to enroll in their home district.
When would the classrooms open if a bond is passed in November?
August, 2010
Has the district considered incorporating sustainable systems to reduce energy usage and increase efficiency?
Yes, the Neenan Company has contracted a mechanical engineer to advise the district regarding the costs and benefits of sustainable systems, including boiler replacement, lighting and air handling. The consultant will work in conjunction with the Regional Sustainability Coordinator to explore alternative heating/cooling options.
Why does the district use two classrooms in the Telluride Elementary School for the Telluride Early Childhood Center (TECC)?
The district provides these classrooms for the TECC so that many of our minority children and children experiencing developmental delays will have the opportunity to access early childhood education. The program is funded by a State grant and sliding scale tuition. Taking the two classrooms from TECC would not be a long-term solution for projected growth. The cost of this one year solution would be to deny Telluride’s most vulnerable preschoolers access to early learning that is critical to their future success.
Why does Telluride Elementary School need renovations?
The district seeks to honor the preservation of the historic elementary school, originally build in 1896. The building has two significant health and safety concerns, including the replacement of the boiler system and roof. Additional upgrades include exterior masonry cleaning and repairs, landscaping and fencing, and fourth floor day lighting.
