PROPOSITION 4 - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What would the no-tax-increase bond issue pay for?
Proposition 4: Building 4 Our Kids would fund 4 key facility focuses across the district to address facility needs, including aging and undersized buildings and increasing enrollment. The proposed plan includes maximizing the available $41 million to make significant improvements at Lebanon High School, Maplecrest Elementary School and Boswell Elementary School without raising annual tax rates for the community. The proposed plan includes the following:
Lebanon High School
• A two-story 20 classroom addition (demolition of 11.5 classrooms) for a net increase of 8.5 classrooms, which will all be of appropriate and efficient size and amenities of modern-day classrooms.
• A new lobby/commons area to improve traffic flow through the center of the school in addition to increasing cafeteria space. • A new office space will also be included.
• The plans are for an approximately 59,600 square foot addition with an additional 5,900 light renovation.
• All of these plans are being made with future phases of our Facility Master Plan in mind.
• Estimated cost of $29M - $31M with substantial completion estimated for Fall of 2027.
Maplecrest Elementary
• An eight classroom addition, totaling approximately 10,100 square feet.
• This addition will include the removal of all trailers to maximize safety and functionality.
• These plans are being made with future phases of our Facility Master Plan in mind.
• Estimated cost of $4.7M - $5.1M with substantial completion estimated for Fall of 2025.
Boswell Elementary
• A six classroom addition (demolition of one classroom), with a net of five new classrooms totaling approximately 7,200 square feet of new space.
• This addition will include the removal of all trailers to maximize safety and functionality.
• These plans are being made with future phases of our Facility Master Plan in mind.
• Estimated cost of $3.6M - $3.9M with substantial completion estimated for Fall of 2025.
Innovative Learning Spaces
• A focus on creating innovative learning spaces that help students pursue real world experiences to prepare them for their futures. An additional $1.8M - $2M may be earmarked for contingencies and the growth of innovative learning facilities in the district.
How can we complete these projects without raising taxes?
Bonds are low-interest loans the district pays back using funds from its debt service levy. Funds from the debt service levy cannot be used to pay for salaries, classroom supplies or other routine, budgeted items that support teaching and learning in the classroom. LR3 can borrow approximately $41 million in bond funds without raising the debt service levy used to repay the financing. With the new bond issue on the April 2 election ballot, LR3 will be able to complete the projects in our new facilities plan using the existing levy rate. Voter approval would mean that the current debt service levy is extended approximately 10 more years (approximately 2044 instead of 2034).
Will my taxes increase if this bond issue passes?
In short, no, residents won’t see a tax decrease in the next 10 years. Bonds are issued on 20 year notes. Currently, the Lebanon School District has bond notes that were issued beginning in 2014, so if Proposition 4 does not pass, the district will continue to pay down those existing bonds for the next 10 years.
What happens if the Bond issue doesn’t pass?
Additions and renovations to our oldest wings at Maplecrest, Boswell, and LHS will need to be put on hold, further delaying needed updates to these aging facilities. Additional trailers will likely need to be added to accommodate growing enrollment and facilities will continue to age and deteriorate.
Why pursue this now?
Facilities projects of this nature take some time to plan and build. As our student enrollment grows and facilities continue to age, it’s important to be proactive in providing effective learning spaces for our students and community. With growing enrollment and some aging and undersized facilities, our goal is to be proactive in providing effective learning spaces for our students today and into the future. And, research shows that strong schools are essential to thriving neighborhoods and a strong local economy.
If I do not have children in school, how will this impact me?
Strong schools are essential to thriving neighborhoods and a strong local economy. Demographic and economic data consistently shows that vibrant, successful schools are assets to their communities, increasing property values, attracting investment and benefiting neighbors.
What percentage of the vote is needed to pass Proposition 4?
Proposition 4 requires a four-sevenths (or 57.14%) “YES” vote in order to pass on April 2, 2024.
How will Proposition 4 read on the ballot?
“Shall Lebanon R-III School District issue its general obligation bonds in the amount of $41,000,000, resulting in no estimated increase to the District’s debt service property tax levy, for the purpose of constructing, improving, repairing, renovating, furnishing and equipping school facilities and sites, including constructing additional classrooms at Maplecrest Elementary School and Boswell Elementary School and making capital improvements throughout the District, including various improvements at Lebanon High School?
If this question is approved, the District’s debt service property tax levy is estimated to remain unchanged at $0.8463 per $100 dollars of assessed valuation of real and personal property.”