Voters will be asked to pass a vital construction bond for the Auburn School District in November. On behalf of all the volunteers of our committee, Auburn Citizens for Schools urges district voters to vote yes for passage of the bond by Nov. 8.

The bond would raise $456 million to build two new schools (one in the north, one in the south) and rebuild six schools – Chinook, Dick Scobee, Lea Hill Pioneer and Terminal Park elementary schools, and Olympic Middle School. The entire district and community would benefit from the projects.

Continued enrollment growth has pressed our schools to the breaking point. Enrollment has increased by almost 2,000 students in the last 10 years. There are 102 portables as semi-permanent fixtures in our schools throughout the district. Music and library spaces have been converted into instructional spaces because of overcrowding.

The new elementary schools would be built for growth – with a capacity of 650 students each.

The aging buildings are costly to maintain, expensive to operate, and a community-wide facility study showed it is more effective and cost-efficient to replace rather than refurbish old buildings.

New buildings – with higher design quality and construction – like the new Auburn High School – would last for generations, provide increased safety, modern technology and additional instructional resources.

With sound fiscal management by the district, the project would complete all eight schools for an increase of $1.03 per $1,000 of assessed valuation. In the past 10 years, the school district built Arthur Jacobsen and Lakeland Hills elementary schools and Auburn High School. These projects finished ahead of schedule, under budget, and with resoundingly positive reception in the community.

The Auburn community has always been a strong supporter of our schools. Top quality schools are key in preparing our students for their future.

Follow us on Facebook and learn about the impact of this bond issue at www.auburncitizens4schools.com.

We urge you to vote yes before Nov. 8 – our students are worth it.

Thank you for your support of Auburn’s students and schools.

Cari Manry, Dianne Jordan and Kelly McDonald are members of the Auburn Citizens for Schools Committee.