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Why Bonds Are Necessary. Local taxpayers build schools through property taxes LCPS budget pays for day-to-day operations Including salaries, utilities, insurance Bond funds cannot be used for salaries Bonds are needed to keep up with growth
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Why Bonds Are Necessary • Local taxpayers build schools through property taxes • LCPS budget pays for day-to-day operations • Including salaries, utilities, insurance • Bond funds cannot be used for salaries • Bonds are needed to keep up with growth • Capital Improvements Levy repairs and maintains our schools
Prior Bond Issue – 2006Tax dollars at work: • 3 new schools under construction: elementary, middle and high school • Roofs / Heating & Cooling • School & Restroom Renovations • Technology - All schools and LCPS infrastructure • Lynn Middle School - renovated gym and front of school
Prior Bond Issue – 2006Tax dollars at work: • Pro-Active Maintenance - All schools • Americans With Disabilities Act improvements • Drama Classroom – MHS • New windows – Zia Middle School • Play Courts and Grounds Improvements • New Parent Drop-Off Lanes
Prior Bond Issue – Projects Left Undone • Picacho Middle School Music Wing • Las Cruces High Classroom Wings (A,B,C) • LCHS currently under architectural review; status of building and recommended renovations to be determined by spring.
Bond Issue 2010 • 4-year election cycle; Next bond election - 2014 • Maintain “No Tax Rate Increase” in 2010 • Feb. 2 Election, two items on the ballot: • $65 million Bond • Renew the 2-mill Capital Improvements Levy • All Schools Benefit
Matching Funds: • Several projects will be eligible for additional state match (PSCOC) • LCPS to pay 1/3; state to pay for 2/3 cost Projects: • Las Cruces High renovations (project is potentially among those ranked by state for PSCOC eligibility) • Loma Heights Elem (new early childhood classrooms, multipurpose room) • Mayfield High remodeling – nursing, counseling and administrative areas • University Hills Elem (older school areas)
Bond Issue 2010: • Remodeling (matching funds) $19,500,000 • New High School – final phase $12,000,000 • Roofs/HVAC – 8 schools $ 8,750,000 • Safety Systems, Technology $ 4,125,000 and Electrical Upgrades, Portables Connectivity • Nurse Area and Restrooms $ 2,500,000 Remodeling • Kitchens Remodeling $ 3,000,000
Bond Issue 2010: • Outdoor Improvements - $ 2,600,000 fences, drop-off lanes, paving, sewage/lift stations, sprinklers • Baseball Complex – phase 1, $ 2,725,000 Tennis Courts, Bleachers • Shade Structures and Play $ 1,800,000 Equipment • Construction Contingency $ 8,000,000 and Land Acquisition TOTAL$65,000,000
Bond Issue 2010: Also on the Ballot, vTwo Mill Capital Improvements Levy • Repairs and Maintenance • Asbestos Removal • School Equipment • Classroom Furnishings • Play Equipment • and more vPassage will not increase the tax rate
How Are Citizens Helping? • Early (in-person) Voting, Jan. 8-29 • Displaying yard signs • Add their names to advertising endorsing the election • Participating in door-to-door walk, Sat., Jan. 23 • PLEASE VOTE!