As former superintendents in the Auburn School District, we are pleased to endorse the two school district propositions being presented on March 10 and urge the voters of Auburn to vote ‘yes” on both propositions. We are supporting both the bond issue and the capital projects levy.

The Auburn School District has a history dating back to 1975 of having citizen ad hoc committees develop recommendations for new school construction, school replacement, school modernizations and school improvements. The citizens have consistently recommended that the district address the facility needs of our students. The two propositions before Auburn voters on March 10 continue this legacy of citizen planning, which has served the students of Auburn well.

The projects being funded by the two propositions would support the citizens’ goals of reducing operating expenses; improving safety; security and accessibility; and improving great instructional spaces to enhance learning opportunities for our youth. The completion of the projects also will ensure that the district does not fall behind in maintaining quality facilities. If a district falls behind, it can snowball.

We are supporting the propositions for two reasons:

1. We know and can attest to the fact that the district uses sound business practices, designs schools to minimize costs and time required to build schools, and has consistently delivered school building projects on time and within budget.

2. The district is able to complete these projects without increasing the tax rates over the 2006 rate.

We support the propositions and realize that if we are to have a sound economy, we must provide quality facilities for our youth. We encourage all voters to complete their mail-in ballots and vote “yes” for both of these important issues.

– James P. Fugate, Auburn School superintendent (1973-97),

Linda Cowan, Auburn School superintendent (1997-2008)