I have read posters talk about the cost to renovate the schools as a more effective model than the idea of a wholesale reset of the district’s 50-year old inventory. I would suggest that this is a terribly bad way to address the needs of the district. If I remember correctly, the District authorized about $18 million in debt. And what did we, the taxpayer get, a PAC and a bunch of restroom repair jobs. So, using the Turner Construction Cost Index ([Hidden Content]) that same amount of bonding would be worth $31.2 million today. In 1997 we received a performing arts center and band aids. Now, the band aids have come unstuck and new wounds have appeared. Here’s a choice for you then; dribble another few million dollars back at the school district in some cobbled manner or get brand new spaces for 84% of the district student population.
Look at the cost in detail. They propose that the new elementary schools should cost $16,720,000 for the most expensive offering and last 50-years, serving 683 kids along the way. This amounts to $489/student/year of service. Now, let’s take up the renovate position and assume that any renovation costs quarter the amount of a new facility (this is being VERY generous), existing schools are roughly 500 students and that the renovation work buys 15-years. This amounts to $557/student/year of service. Repeat this every 15-years for 3 terms and you get an idea of what the opponent folks want. No, strike that last part; they want NOTHING for the students that are the future of the community.
There are those that will post remarks suggesting administration cover up, offer copies of receipts, discuss timelines and other strategies to keep the people of Nederland ISD from debating the real topics of cost. Check out post by AG00 on previous pages for more to come from the opposition. To renovate 50-year old facilities is not a responsible decision, and certainly does not achieve the cost savings espoused by the opposition group. If you like what you see, go to www.nederlandbond.com.
