Now
Fair
52°
High
51°
Low
29°
Full Forecast

Jobs

Cars

Homes

Rentals

Alerts

Subscribe
Home > News > Nebraska
Bookmark Us   •   Make Us Your Homepage

Raymond Central voters reject $16M bond issue

Comments 38 comment(s)  
E-mail Story E-mail Story
Print Story Print Story
Share  Share
Text Size: 
Tools Sponsor

BY JODI FUSON / Lincoln Journal Star

Wednesday, Sep 12, 2007 - 12:09:24 am CDT

Raymond Central Public Schools district residents rejected a $16 million bond issue Tuesday that would have been used to improve the junior-senior high school.

Election clerk Jackie Nielson said 504 people voted for the bond and 736 voted against it.

The results are not official until they are certified, which should happen later this week, Nielson said.

“It would make a huge difference in our school system if it did pass,” Jeff Schellpeper, agriculture teacher at the school, said of the bond.

Had it passed, the bond would have helped pay for some new shops for industrial arts and agriculture, Schellpeper said. Some of the school’s facilities are getting outdated, he said.

“We’ll have to do the best we can with what we have,” he said.

Superintendent Gary Oxley said bond promoters staged several community meetings in towns like Ceresco, Davey, Raymond and Valparaiso.

Members of the Keep Improving District Schools held the meetings in August and September to inform voters and garner support for the bond election. They also sent out informational brochures and a survey, which showed many of the respondents supported renovations or new construction at the junior-senior high school site.

Approval of the 30-year bond issue would have led to more than $11 million in new construction and $3 million in renovations beginning at Raymond Central Junior-Senior High School as early as next spring.

The bond issue would have helped address a number of concerns at the aging school, including indoor air-quality issues, space deficiencies, lack of restrooms and handicapped accessibility. It also would have allowed for the addition of a gym where Raymond Central could have hosted district events.

Renovations and new construction would have been scheduled for completion by fall 2009 and would have included construction of a 79,000-square-foot addition housing high school classrooms, a media center, industrial and vocational technology shops, band and vocal music areas, kitchen, cafeteria, gymnasium and locker rooms.

Major renovation and remodeling of the 1967 building also would have been planned, as well as the demolition of the building that currently houses the kitchen, cafeteria, wrestling room, weight room, district office and high school office.

Passage of the bond would have meant a property tax increase of $18.75 per month or $225 a year for the owner of a home valued at $100,000.

Reach Jodi Fuson at 473-7211 or homeroom@journalstar.com. Staff writer Hilary Kindschuh contributed to this report.


$1 Sunday Delivery - Subscribe Today!
Nebraska > Back to Top of Story

Post Your Comment

Standards and Rules
All posts to JournalStar.com are subject to our Terms and Standards.
Your posted comment will appear after it has been approved.
Frequently asked questions about story commenting.
(optional)
   
Hide Comments Hide Comments   Newest First Newest First  
Douglas wrote on September 12, 2007 4:16 am:
" Sounds like the bond promoters did a reasonable job of promoting the issue. The voters rejected it from an informed position. So, obviously, the next step is to try again until those stupid voters get it right. I am curious as to the student population as opposed to 10 years ago or five years ago. Why is there a "space" issue when there are less students today? The voters didn't buy this part of the promotion. For some of us, extra space is a luxury we didn't feel we could afford. "

 Kevin wrote on September 12, 2007 8:04 am:
" As a graduate of Raymond Central nearly 30 years ago, I'm sure the improvements were needed. But Lancaster County property taxes are out of control. I compared a family members taxes to ours in western Nebraska and the Lancaster County taxes are more than double! The kids are the victims of obvious overspending by other taxing bureaucrats. "

 Soylent Green, concerned parent wrote on September 12, 2007 9:32 am:
" The failure of this bond will have long term and serious impacts for the school district. The problems today at the school will not just go away and will only get worse as each year passes. A child in a wheelchair is set to attend school there next year and right now this child can not even get into the building. There is no restroom for this child to use either. Each year that this school remains in its current condition will translate to more money lost to the district from students leaving for other districts and more cost for when the school finally does get a bond passed for the needed repairs. What's it going to take for the people of this district to wake up? A massive lawsuit? The collapse of the district? Some people are just so short-sighted... I would really like to hear for some people who voted NO... What were you thinking? Is it just to save the couple of hundred in taxes? Please explain... "

 Comm UnSense wrote on September 12, 2007 10:21 am:
" $225 per year? No wonder it failed. Get school funding out of property taxes. Increase sales tax or whatever needs to be done, but get it out of the property tax bill. "

 Doc wrote on September 12, 2007 10:23 am:
" This is no surprise. The history of bond issues in this district is terrible. One after another has gone down in flames. This is a make do district. We'll keep just getting by until the building is condemned at which time we'll vote for a small building that costs more than what we turned down this time. At this time, patrons that want a good education for their children and good facilities should look for a high school in an adjoining district. "

 Not in the district wrote on September 12, 2007 1:11 pm:
" I live close to, but not in this district so I couldn't vote. I understand there is a child in a wheelchair that needs to attend this school, yet it is not accessible, and the bathrooms are not either. This will be a problem for the school because you can't refuse to educate a child. They will have to try for a rehab for at least the areas where this child needs to go, which is probably everywhere. It's not a matter of building something new and grand, it's educating ALL kids. They will have to come up with the money somehow, otherwise the child will have to be bussed to another school that is accessible. In rural areas, they are quite a ways away. What a shame for this child. "

 Soylent Green, concerned parent wrote on September 12, 2007 1:54 pm:
" Douglas, have you taken a head count of the students currently enrolled in Ceresco and Valparasio Elementery? The classrooms are BURSTING at the seams only 7 years after the new schools were built. Where do you suppose those kids are going to be in a few years? I know, in Waverly, Wahoo, Malcolm and Lincoln because that is where their parents are going to send them so they can go to a good school with modern facilities. Once again, the mentality of only looking at "what is now (and will never change) and won out over looking to the future and preparing now for growth in population and the needs of the students in the years to come. "

 Pleasssse wrote on September 12, 2007 2:08 pm:
" I live in this district and it wasn't too long ago that we had a bond issue about the elementary schools and it passed, raising the taxes. At that time the issue was do we move the 2 elementary schools in Valpraiso and Ceresco to the central site and redo them all. The vote was lost by a few votes to leave the elementary schools in those towns and redo Val and build a new school in Cerecso because they didn't want to bus their children to the central site. We are still paying for that bond and now you want to add another $500 to $600 a year ($225 per $100,000 valuation) to my taxes and I say NO. "

 JAZZY wrote on September 12, 2007 2:47 pm:
" The improvements are needed but I think the taxes was the reason for the bond to die. On my home alone, the taxes would have gone up another $450 a year. The school needs the improvements, but the people are tired of the high taxes. and many people are on a fixed income. One elderly man told us that his taxes went up on the last bond 22% and this time it was 15%. Fixed incomes don't get a break on taxes. "

 Jane wrote on September 12, 2007 5:59 pm:
" Had this bond passed the school would have still had to make the necessary changes the the existing building for the ADA requirement to meet the needs of the student that will be coming in the fall of 2008......as the new school would not have even been ready until the 2009 year! So why pay double? This really didn't have anything to do with the issue....as they really just wanted a new school and used this as an excuse! "

 TSG wrote on September 12, 2007 7:01 pm:
" You know, it is TOO bad the bond did not pass. As a former student of a small town school (Palmyra) and as a son of two teachers, I understand that schools need improvements to be able to function in this day of age. It is a horrible thing when handicapped children have to be bussed to a different school because their would be school was not up to code. So now, the people in the Raymond district will be paying for that child to go to new school. Yes, it might be cheaper to send them their over the cost of a new bond issue...I have to agree with the other people though, the ones who say property taxes are high enough already. Now, instead of complaining lets get out there and do something about it. Run for a political campaign. Make the changes that need to be made so the children of the future can actually have a future!...Vote for me when run for office some day!!! "

 Wow wrote on September 12, 2007 7:48 pm:
" Apparently some of these spenders just don't get it. A 100,000 home at an increase of $225. is pretty hefty. However find a $100,000 home?! More like $200,000 and thats a mighty big $450. increase. The homes aren't worth the hugh amounts but the assessors seem to like to lay it on. Homes in this state are double what they are in my former state. Thats ridiculous, you'd think Nebraska was Palm Springs!!! Glad to see some back bone! "

 Former student wrote on September 12, 2007 8:18 pm:
" As a former student of RC and one who now pays for our new schools in Lincoln, I too would have voted against it if I lived in the district. I highly doubt many districts could pass a bond that would raise their prop. taxes $225/100K/Yr. I actually think it makes good business sense to shoot it down at first so it makes the contractors who placed bids on it go back and cut some cost out of it. Don't let the "tax & spend" mentality of Lincoln rub off on surrounding areas. One more thing, and I haven't been there in over 10 yrs, but wasn't it wheelchair accesible long ago...at least the main building? Has there really never been a student attend in a wheelchair since it opened in the 60's? "

 Former Student wrote on September 12, 2007 9:13 pm:
" One final thought: Does the facility make the education? I don't think so. Maybe by teaching the students a little fiscal responsibility they won't end up like a large portion of the country and in debt over their heads. "

 Bryan wrote on September 12, 2007 10:36 pm:
" Always convenient to use the $100,000 home example. How about the farmers in the district? Instead of a few hundred dollars, it is in the thousands of dollars in increased taxes. You could get around most of the school building 20+ years ago in a wheelchair, and it's not that hard to retro-fit a bathroom, so come up with some more affordable solutions and something might just pass. "

 parent wrote on September 12, 2007 10:38 pm:
" I too voted NO to this bond issue for the same reason the majority of people listed here. I have a kid at RC and know it needs improvement but the consultants and school board went too far. I gave full support to the elementary bond and we now have great facilities including two excellent gymnasiums for sports activities. Why was an 1800 seat gym necessary when the sports teams at RC attract about 180 people at most events. I have yet to see our current gym full in the last 6 years I've been to events there. I will be the first in line to help pass a bond issue that is more tax friendly to those of us that are already burdened with a current school bond payment, new jail in Saunders County and an annual increase in property value of 5%. If you're really mad about this bond not passing, call your legislature rep who reduced our tax relief the governor proposed last year. Give property owners a break and we can afford to pay for better facilities. I like our school district, but the tax increase and extra fluff of the facility was too much for most people. "

 The Omega Man wrote on September 13, 2007 5:13 am:
" It won't be too many years before Raymond Central is a Class B school. Taxes are way too high, but it will cost a lot more in the future. "

 Former Student wrote on September 13, 2007 8:14 am:
" RC was a class B school when I attended. "

 informed wrote on September 13, 2007 8:52 am:
" The child/person is not in a wheelchair he/she uses a wheelchair for mobility. I don't know the history of the school but if it is not accessible now then it has never been accessible and changes must be made to make it accessible for ALL. Accessiblity is for all people, including those with disabilities, those who use wheelchairs for mobility, and everyone. Environment does contribute to education and Raymond Central needs to keep up with other schools. "

 JMK wrote on September 13, 2007 11:54 am:
" YES! It is about time these money grabbing got shot down. I can only hope the voters of Lincoln can do the same on the next several dozen or so requests. "

 Ron wrote on September 13, 2007 12:04 pm:
" Seem kind of funny, I worked all my life in a kept up building built in 1900. Wheelchair facilities were put in when the Govt said do it. There were millions spent to do this. Yet these schools seem to think they have to tear down and spend millions for the state of the art building and equipment. I went to a school my mother went to in 1910. A school built in 1967 isn't all that old. If my bath needs remodeling I don't tear the whole house down and build the latest most expensive thing. No I just put in a new SINK! I suppose Lancaster county towns aren't going to be happy until they run the whole state into a depression!!!! Might not be a bad lesson for everyone that has dollar bills for eyeballs!!! "

 RC parent/committee member wrote on September 13, 2007 12:54 pm:
" I worked very hard on the KIDS committee. For those of you who voted no, did you come to the informational meetings, did you tour the school? Very few did. There were 6 people at the Val meeting, 6 people at the Raymond meeting, 5 people at the first meeting at the high school. The final meeting and tour had the best attendance and I estimate about 20 people at that one. I disagree that it was from an informed position. You didn't show up to see the foundation problems, the stale air in the classrooms, the security issues of so many unsecure buildings to acommodate students. The ballons in the ceiling to block water from dripping in. This plan was well thought out and not rushed. We spent 1.5 years putting this together. The reason for the vote Tuesday, was it was going to save us about 1.5 million dollars in interest. Contractors have not bid yet, this was merely a concept plan from which to move forward. This isn't palatial, or fluff. The gym we have was built when girl athletics were not active. We have practices at 06:00 am in order for kids to have practice, and practices go into the early evening. We put the focus on classrooms and our strengths (speech/drama/ag education,etc.). Our science teacher can't use bunson burners any more because of the risk. RC kids compete with everyone in the state for scholarships, we need adequate rooms to accomplish this. There was ample opportunity for anyone and everyone to put their 2 cents in, but overwhelming numbers chose not to. Don't blame the committee for your ignorance of these meetings. You need to be actively engaged in your community. The issue of handicapped accessibility will involve this child having to go outside and around the building to get to the main part of the school. That will be difficult come January when she needs to do this several times a day. Public education has changed immensely, schools now compete for students and teachers. If you were a new teacher, would you choose RC, over Waverly? Malcolm? We have many fine educators, but the time will come when they retire and will need to be replaced. If this comes around again, please attend the meetings, please be part of the committee, and please offer your input. Don't sit back and throw pot shots at the committee for what we put forward. "

 Alan wrote on September 13, 2007 2:02 pm:
" I would have voted against this bond as I have voted against every school bond issue in Lincoln and will vote against every bond issue in the future. Not because of extreme waste, although that's an issue, but because the taxes are twice as high here as can be justified. We need more than passive resistance however. We need an organized campaign to oppose and defeat future bond issues. If we are to stop this maddness and stem the flow of retired persons and young professionals fleeing our property tax. Every year I meet with clients who are retiring and they are leaving and taking their pensions, earned in Nebraska, with them to reside in AR, MO, CO or AZ. At least the people in RC have seen the light. Maybe I'll move there until I retire and take my pension out of state. "

 RC Resident wrote on September 13, 2007 2:17 pm:
" The vote is complete, and the democratic process has been conducted with integrity. I applaud the planning committee, and commend them for their hard work. The issue has been brought before the district, and now there is a greater awareness that something needs to be done for the Raymond Jr/Sr school. I do think that there are some lessons to be learned from the failed bond effort. Some of these lessons can be taken from the newspaper comments, others have been brought forward at the town listening sessions, and others through informal discussions. It might be best for the planning committee to sit down, and put together a list of every issue that has been brought forward. Then, figure out how to address the concerns, or requests for added information, that have been brought forward. Then put together a plan that provides sufficient time for the district (not just a planning committee) to consider various options that have an associated range of costs. This will take some time on the part of the planning committee, but then we are talking about a potentially significant amount of money and taxes. When the amount of bond is $16 million, plus interest of about $15 million, it likely won't be easy, and will require a very compelling argument from many different perspectives. Even if the bond amount is reduced, it will take a very compelling argument due to the current level of taxes. From my point of view, an array of options along with associated costs was never presented to the district, and the amount of time for public participation in the decision making process was not sufficient. However, I supported this effort, because a quality school district helps ALL within the district (in other words a rising tide floats all boats). I remain convinced that the Raymond school district is progressive thinking, proud of the their achievements, and would support a well thought out option, that can be defended from virtually all critical points of view. "

 RC Grad wrote on September 13, 2007 2:24 pm:
" RC Parent/Committee Member, I didn't need to go to the informational meetings. I received all the information I needed to make my decision from the brochure you so kindly mailed to our house. I commend you on your hard work but you went way too far in your dreaming. There are fewer kids there than when I graduated so why more space? Why another gym? I concede that HVAC/electrical systems and the kitchen/cafeteria are in dire need of an upgrade. I could have supported a more modest RENOVATION. I cannot see this district throw more good money after bad. I voted to have a central elementary school not waste money on duplicate services in two locations. This is one of the main reasons I do not send my children to the RC schools. I would suggest your time may be better spent concentrating on issues like high staff turnover and quality of education first. "

 get involved! wrote on September 13, 2007 5:36 pm:
" Most of the comments made here in the last 48 hours have been well said (except "Alan" whose plan to vote down any bond issue is just bad citizenship) and gives us all something to think on. My advice is for the community to move on and get involved in planning what RC needs for the future. We know something needs to be done to our school so let all work together to figure it out! Watch you school newsletter, the local papers and your mail for any future meetings to discuss this issue. Too many people told the committee that they were not informed of the meetings last 18 months--probably those same people are the ones that needed additional info mailed later because they thought the initial info was 'junk mail'. Wake up RC patrons--and get involved in your kids future!! "

 Katie wrote on September 13, 2007 7:24 pm:
" I would hope that if another bond issue is put before the Raymond School District that the board would find a way to inform all registered voters within the district. Not just the ones that they choose to notify. Having no children in school, I was not aware that this was even being considered until the flyer arrived in the mail which was about 3 weeks before the election. I would say that this was very poorly handled on the part of those that were supposed to get the word out to the taxpayers. Since we have no children in school anymore, there is absolutely no reason for us to subscribe to what the school chooses to use for their local sounding block newspaper. In all fairness to all taxpayers in the district this information should have been released to other outside media from the start. I believe that if the school board/committee would have got the word out earlier when this all started over a year ago, that the people would have been more understanding about the current need for such bond. But to keep it a secret and then spring it on the taxpayers with such a short amount of time before the vote was wrong......what were they trying to hide? You must rally the troops before you will get their support. "

 Taxed again wrote on September 13, 2007 9:25 pm:
" What is the point in building a huge gym that "could have hosted district events"? Does it pay the district well or would it just have been another overbuilt gym that costs alot to maintain and rarely gets used? How did the previous 40 years of students get by with "stale air"? How come schools used to last up to 100 years but now they can only last 40-50? How did this even get to be voted on? Does this "KIDS" commitee have that much pull or were they trying to pull a fast one on the taxpayers? "

 Alternatives wrote on September 13, 2007 9:54 pm:
" We have some great private schools in the area, you can always send your kids to St. John's in Weston or Neumann in Wahoo. They have good facilities and offer a great education. Just a thought. "

 Rc grad wrote on September 14, 2007 7:48 am:
" I do think that the committee's did a great job on informing everyone on this bond. The signs and brochures were plastered every where in the town of Valparaiso. The committee members where even calling homes in Val to make sure everyone fully understood this bond and if they had any questions. I voted against this bond due to the tax increase and if you ever had a good look at what the posters showed there was only going to be a "SMALL" portion of the old school utilized. Everything else was going to be new and extravagant. Raymond Central has 3 gyms that are utilized for sports. To build 2 gyms out at the highschool is ridiculious to me. I maybe would have voted yes on this bond if they fixed the things that needed to be fixed with some additional space etc... But this school bond to me was not about the necessities but luxuries. "

 Doc wrote on September 14, 2007 8:54 am:
" Excellent Posts. There have been some great comments. I too, looked for the plan, the drawings and didn't see any until about 2 weeks prior to the election. That hurts any election. No, the present RC Jr/Sr High is not wheelchair accessible. For those that haven't stopped by, immediately upon entering the main door there are stairs and it is not possible for a student to avoid them without going outside and around the building. This part of the building was not built in 1967, but was purchased from the gov't, at that time. The hallways, including the stairway, are the most crowded of any school that I have seen, probably, because when the gov't built it back when, it wasn't intended for students to pass through. A new school is needed. The teachers and administrators have done a tremendous job in educating while getting by with poor facilities. "

 Millie wrote on September 14, 2007 9:21 am:
" To Katie: This was no secret, and no one was trying ot hide anything, quite the contrary. It is your responsibility to be in tuned to your district. All school board minutes are posted online at the RC website. All RC school board meetings and other public notices are put through the Waverly paper. Each school is required to have a designated public paper to post notices in. Brochures were not selectively mailed, they were mailed to ALL patrons/registered voters in the school district. And for "taxed again", the gym is heavily used and the 67 building is in good shape structurally, we just need to update the infrastructure (have you had the same heating/cooling unit for the last 50 years?) If you would have come to the informational meetings, all of your questions would have been answered. "

 rac wrote on September 14, 2007 12:24 pm:
" “We’ll have to do the best we can with what we have,” he said. So you get it then? I wish LPS would. I would love to cut LPS' budget in half! "

 Clem/RC GRAD. wrote on September 14, 2007 1:53 pm:
" WOW,where were all of you during our town meetings and tours of the high school?I will not accept a "grown up" in this district saying they had no idea a school bond issue was coming up for a vote!!?? Katie,maybe if you keep your head in the sand long enough the issues at the high school will magically disappear without you knowing about it.People,we have failed our children and that is very disturbing to me.I think what we can plan on now is a downsized plan and we'll end up paying more for less in the future.If I were a teacher or a coach in the job market I would certainly accept a job offer from Waverly,Malcolm,Norris,Northstar long before I would from RC simply because of the support the schools in those districts receive from the communities and parents.To parent,"fluff"? Ask the folks in Malcolm who were advised to think proactively and plan for the future by building in more classrooms for the future-Malcolm now has two portablaes at their new school.To Bryan,we used $100,000 as our base because $149,000 was just to much math. "

 Givng me a wrote on September 14, 2007 2:10 pm:
" personal opinion about the head count on the children makes my point. Maybe, just maybe, if one of the bond promoters would have given me athe statistics to prove we need to spend 16 million dollars they may have gotten my vote. New school buildings are a luxury not a necessity until they are needed. My opinion says they are not and the majority agreed with me. Sorry Solvent Green you and the supporters failed to produce a good case BEFORE the election. Try again. I know the bureaucrats will not stop until they get to spend millions. It is the people who make a good school not the building. Let's premote a 16 million dollar bond to raise teacher salaries and I will be a supporter. "

 Douglas wrote on September 14, 2007 2:28 pm:
" RC Parent Committee member and Millie just don't get it. Do not try to justify the failure of this bond by blaming the voters of the district. If the supporters really believe the bond was justified they just failed to present their case properly. My decision was made with the information I had and that information did not and could not justify spending money. If you are absolutely certain you had the right construction plan then re evaluate your campaign strategy. It failed. I will vote for a new school when I feel my vote is justified. Until then, I will NOT vote to increase my taxes without reasons that I feel are justified. Don't tell me I am a bad or stupid citizen because I didn't go visit one of the dog and pony shows. You failed, not I. You are confused by your emotion so try a little logical finger pointing in the mirror. "

 Community Member wrote on September 14, 2007 5:29 pm:
" I have to say I am appalled at the ignorance shown in these comments. To vote No is one thing – to be just plain ignorant is deplorable. I’d like to know how many of the 700+ “No” votes were actually informed voters? How many went to an information meeting? How many toured the High School? How many actually CARE about the children’s education and not just their wallet? As members of this community we are all obligated to step up to the plate and be part of the solution – not part of the problem. These bad-tempered views make you seem not only childish but selfish as well. To answer some of the questions …“Does a facility make the education? “Yes. Just ask the 7th grader who can’t get to class on time because the hallways are jammed with kids. These hallways are so small that these kids are literally getting trampled trying to get to class on time. These children now have 1% point deducted from their semester grade for each time they are late beyond three times. That is just one small example. To make matters worse, when you get your foot trampled or are vomiting in school guess where you get to go to feel better? To an old cot set up in the same room with the teachers toilets - thats the "nursing" area. That is unconscionable. “Is the facility handicap accessible?” No. The last time a child was injured and required a wheel chair that student had to miss 4 classes per day and sit in a study hall. That’s not just wrong – it’s unethical. In today’s changing society these children do need to keep up with the rest of the world if they are expected to survive and achieve. If we can’t keep up at the Jr/Sr High School level where does this leave them? Plenty of children and educators are seeking out other schools for a more rewarding education and career. Our community is graded the quality of our education system. Our elementary schools are doing great and enrollment continues to rise – only to fall at the High School. Wake up – there is a reason for this. I challenge you all to stop whining about what’s wrong and be part of making this right. Otherwise, your views and your comments are worthless. "

 Ignorant wrote on September 14, 2007 8:49 pm:
" Not taking side here, I just would like to know. I'm only asking because I don't know, but how many students are there per grade now? I have to ask because when I went there not too long ago we had one of the largest classes and somehow we make it thru the halls to get to class on time. How many of the 500+ "Yes" voters were actually informed? Are my comments worthless? "

Ads by Yahoo!