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Friday, 30 March 2012 17:56

April Superintendency Message

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Jeff Stephens, New Superintendent of Weber School DistrictRecently, the Weber Board of Education officially announced their intent to hold a bond election on June 26, 2012. Following months of study, the board has determined to bond for $65 million dollars. Most importantly, these bonds can be issued without increasing tax rates. Being able to bond without increasing property tax rates represents wise and prudent fiscal management on the part of our board of education. Successful passage of the bond election will address growth in student population as well as several aging facilities. The average age of the schools recommended for replacement is 68 years. The following projects have been identified by the board:

  1. Replacement of West Weber Elementary School (Built in 1928);
  2. Replacement of Wahlquist Junior High School (Built in 1942);
  3. Replacement of North Park Elementary School (Built in 1959);
  4. 10-Classroom Addition at Rocky Mountain Junior High School;
  5. Replacement/Consolidation of Club Heights (1942) and Marlon Hills (1961);
  6. Remodel of gym, cafeteria, and auditorium at North Ogden Junior High;
  7. Address growth in the north and west through either a new elementary school or additions on existing schools.

We recognize that the above list does not include all the needs in our district. A bond that addressed all the needs in our district would require a significant tax increase. It is important to note, however, that when major construction projects are being addressed with bond money, it frees up local capital dollars to address other needs throughout the district. Hence, every school and community benefits from a successful bond election.

This list of projects represents an aggressive construction plan. Because construction costs and interest rates are currently very low, the school board has concluded that this is an optimum time to address our growth and aging facilities. These are projects that will need to be addressed at some point. Delaying replacement and construction would likely result in a significant increase in overall cost.

During the months of April and May, I will be visiting each faculty to discuss the bond and answer any questions from our employees. Thank you for your remarkable support and extraordinary professionalism!

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