St Helens High School Matching Grant Bond Q&As

Why can the fieldwork not start until the building work is completed if the additional bond is passed? Wouldn’t starting the fields sooner cut down on maintenance spending between the bond passing and the completion of the school? I would think the district could also increase the buy-in of voters if it was not another two-year wait and see if and when the ground is even broken. Is the school completion still on target for August 2024?

Opening of the newly constructed part of the high school, the old Building A portion, will be Fall of 2024, with final completion of the entire High School project will be in the Fall of 2025.  We plan on getting the gyms back online earlier in the Fall of 2023.

There are several reasons why we don't have it scheduled to begin as soon as the bond passes, but the biggest is scheduling.  Please know regardless of the outcome of the bond, we are going to find a way to get our fields turfed so they are more playable despite our NW weather.  We could start the work on the fields as soon as the bond passes, but the timing to complete the project makes it challenging.  We've spoken with the turf field contractor as recently as yesterday, and from start to finish, we are a year out at a minimum.  What that means is regardless of what we do, the turf field would not be ready until next year's season is nearly over, and during that time, they would need to play elsewhere (5/16/23 bond passes, and we order the fields, fields completed 5/16/24).  In addition, turf fields should be done during the dry season for the best possible construction.  Being strategic allows us to work around the season and build the field during the optimal weather.    

I agree with you 100% that it could develop more buy-in for the bond if we had the fields ready.  This morning at the Booster Club Meeting, Jared Plahn, District Facilities Director, proposed a solution as a way to get the baseball field open for next year and allow us to build the turf fields during the off-season when it is dryer. 

The other big challenge is convincing people we are going to do what we say.  It has become much more complicated than baseball fields should have become, especially when we've been trying to work with those interested in improving the fields.  We are very hopeful that Jared's proposal will encourage those to join us and work together to improve the fields for play until we are able to get turf on them and hopefully support the bond.  

WHY HAS THE DISTRICT PLACED A BOND MEASURE ON THE MAY BALLOT?

In 2020, St. Helens School District received voter approval for projects to update, repair, improve security and modernize St. Helens High School.  

Demolition is complete, and construction began on new classrooms, commons, CTE learning spaces, and the auditorium.

Unfortunately, project costs have escalated due to COVID-19 restrictions, supply chain issues, and inflation, resulting in the inability to complete some elements of the High School Improvement Bond as promised to voters.  These elements include HVAC,  Automotive Space, Parking Lots, Auditorium, and Athletic Fields.   

To fund these projects, the district applied for and was approved for a $4 million matching grant from the State of Oregon.  In order to receive these funds, the St Helens School District has to seek approval from voters for a $4 million Bond.  This is a 1:1 matching grant.  That Bond is Measure 5-295.  

Approval of Measure 5-295 will not increase the amount taxpayers currently pay, nor will it extend the life of the current Bond.   

WHERE CAN WE SEE AN EXACT STATEMENT OF WHAT THIS MONEY WILL BE SPENT ON? THERE IS LANGUAGE IN THE DOCUMENT THAT STATES "INCLUDING" THE PROJECTS YOU HAVE MENTIONED BUT DOES NOT EXPLAIN WHAT THE MONEY WILL BE ALLOCATED TO IN THE ENTIRETY.

The following is a breakdown of how the budget is allocated.  Architects and Engineers cover all drawings and engineering required for the structure.  Professional Services include items such as Geotech Engineering, Traffic Engineering, Land Use Consultant, Wetland Investigation, and other consulting services.  Construction is where the majority of the money is budgeted for the actual building of the school structures, sports fields, and parking lots.  Hazardous Materials are for abatement which is primarily asbestos, common in older building's drywall and floor tiles.  Furniture and Equipment pay for desks, science equipment, and supplies, as well as new technologies like smart boards.  A majority of the Permits budget goes to paying for building permits to the city. 

HAS THE DISTRICT BEEN INVOLVED IN DISCUSSIONS REGARDING THIS BOND, AND FOR HOW LONG?

As a district, we have spent hundreds of hours talking about the current HS Construction project and how to give our community the building they want and deserve. However, during the pandemic, our project faced a number of national and international challenges that created delays, including Covid work stoppages, inflation costs, labor shortages, and supply chain issues that affected not only our timeline but also our budget. Inflation has also had a huge impact on our budget, just like it has on everyone else. Some of the materials we initially wanted to purchase just aren’t feasible anymore.

We also faced supply chain delays. We order materials early whenever possible, but there are still significant delays. We recently ordered a main electric switch box with an estimated 39 weeks to deliver, and after ordering, that was pushed out to 59 weeks.

We had to make adjustments and modifications to the overall design and also make some cuts to the HVAC systems, CTE improvements, parking lots, and some other areas that aren’t critical to the school’s operations. In addition to reducing the project’s scope, we’ve also worked very hard to select economical materials that won’t compromise the quality or visual appeal of the finished product, but that has come with some concessions.

IF PASSED, WHAT ARE SOME IMPROVEMENTS THE BOND MEASURE WOULD PAY FOR?

If passed, Measure 5-295 would potentially fund the following projects that are reduced or eliminated from the High School Improvement Project:

·        Updating HVAC throughout

·        Paving the Parking lots

·        Updating CTE Programs

·        Covered area outside the commons

·        Updating the Auditorium

·        Updating the locker rooms

·        Turfing the Baseball and Softball Fields

I THOUGHT HVAC WAS ALREADY BEING REPLACED WITH THE CURRENT BOND? 

In newly constructed areas, we will install new HVAC systems, but in areas like the old Building B where we have HVAC and it is still working, only essential items to keep it running will be updated.   These systems are at the end of their usable life and need complete replacement, so if the matching grant bond is passed it would be on the top priorities.

WHAT IS THE AMOUNT OF THE BOND, AND WILL THIS INCREASE TAXES?

No, Measure 5-295 will not increase taxes.   The amount of the proposed bond is $4 million dollars.  Property owners would continue to pay the current rate of $2.28 per $1,000 of assessed value.  Passage of Measure 5-295 would also not extend the repayment period of the current Bond.   

HOW CAN THE DISTRICT ADD $4 MILLION TO THE CURRENT BOND WITHOUT INCREASING TAXES?

When voters approved the High School Improvement Bond in 2020, it was estimated the total tax rate would be  $2.31 per assessed value of $1,000.

If the Measure passes, the total projected tax will be $2.28 per $1,000 of assessed value;  .03 cents less than originally projected. 

The District can add $4 million to the Bond capacity while still levying less than originally projected due to the repayment of the current bonds combined with community growth within the District. 

DESCRIBE THE MATCHING MONEY THAT WOULD BE AVAILABLE SHOULD THE BOND MEASURE PASS AND WHERE DOES THE MATCHING MONEY COME FROM?

The St Helens School district has been awarded a state matching grant from the Oregon Department of Education in the amount of $4 million, but in order to secure the money for the project, voters have to pass at least a $4 million bond.  If the measure does not pass the bond, the District would not receive any funds and those funds could directed to another district and its students.

HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED WEATHER DELAYS TO THE PROJECT?

There have been a number of challenges that have delayed and increased the cost of the project as a whole.  These include COVID-19 restrictions, supply chain issues, and inflation.  While the weather is always a challenge with construction in Oregon, it has not been a significant driver of delays.  An example of inflation impact: the District delayed construction of the science wing while lumber prices were at an all-time high.  When lumber prices dropped, the District made purchases and started construction.  An example of supply chain issues: the District tried to order a major electrical switch box 39 weeks ahead of time, knowing there were potential delays.  When the order was placed,  the lead time jumped to 59 weeks.

IN THE VIDEO CIRCULATING ABOUT THE BOND, MANY ASK, HOW DO WE HAVE A BOND THAT WE WILL NOT HAVE TO PAY BACK? I UNDERSTAND THAT THERE IS A MATCHING GRANT FOR $4M, BUT HOW IS THE OTHER PORTION OF THE $4M FREE? COULD YOU PLEASE CLARIFY THAT A BOND DOESN’T HAVE TO BE PAID BY TAXPAYERS? MANY OF US DO NOT UNDERSTAND THAT PORTION. 

The short answer is due to the repayment of the current bonds combined with community growth, there is “room” to add $4 million without increasing the current rate nor length of repayment.  

When voters approved the High School Improvement Bond in 2020, it was estimated the total tax rate would be  $2.31 per assessed value of $1,000.

Property owners in the district are currently paying a total Bond rate of 2.28 per $1,000 of assessed value.

If the Measure passes, the total projected tax will be $2.28 per $1,000 of assessed value;  the same as what is currently being paid and .03 cents less than originally projected. 

The District can do this due to the repayment of the current bonds combined with community growth within the District. 

WHERE CAN WE SEE AN EXACT STATEMENT OF WHAT THIS MONEY WILL BE SPENT ON? THERE IS LANGUAGE IN THE DOCUMENT THAT STATES "INCLUDING" THE PROJECTS YOU HAVE MENTIONED BUT DOES NOT EXPLAIN WHAT THE MONEY WILL BE ALLOCATED TO IN THE ENTIRETY. 

The potential items being considered for funding are listed on the ballot measure. With any construction project, costs may change and limit what can be added back to the construction project.  The following have been prioritized but are not in a particular order until the School Board decides:

• Update and replace HVAC in gyms

• Improvements to Construction & Automotive Programs

• Covered lunch/courtyard area

• Pave Parking lot

• Update Auditorium

• Synthetic Turf at Softball and Baseball Fields

WHAT WILL THE BOND RATE GO DOWN TO IF THE NEW BOND DOESN’T PASS?

$2.28 will drop to $2.21 per thousand.  For a home assessed at $300,000, a homeowner would save $1.75 a month if the measure doesn’t pass.

It will drop by 0.07 over the next two years and 0.13 after that (based on the current assessment).

WHERE DID THE ORIGINAL BOND MONEY GO? IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN ENOUGH TO FINISH ALL THE MEASURES. IF IT WASN’T ENOUGH IN THE FIRST PLACE, YOU SHOULD HAVE RAISED THE AMOUNT THE FIRST TIME AROUND. ALSO, WHERE IS THE MONEY COMING FROM IF IT'S NOT GOING TO AFFECT THE TAXPAYER?

Bonds passed to generate money to fund school construction can only be spent on the construction project listed on the ballot when voters approved it.  All of the money is budgeted to complete the current High School renovation. 

When the initial bond was passed, our consultants felt we had enough to complete the project.  We currently have enough to complete the project, yet not the way we had all hoped.  When it is all said and done, we will have a great new facility our community will be proud of for many years, regardless of whether the bond passes or not.  As a School District, we would be remiss if we didn't provide our community with an opportunity to choose to add back $8 million of construction that evaporated with inflation at essentially no additional cost.  

The bond that is on the ballot will not change the current tax rate of $2.28 per $1000 of assessed value.  Next year the tax rate is expected to drop by $.07 per $1000, which is enough to offer a $4 million dollar bond to secure the $4 million matching grant from the state without changing what taxpayers paid this past year.  In the event the bond doesn’t pass, taxpayers will see a $.07 per $1000 savings on a home assessed at $300,000, which is about $1.75 a month savings.   

DO I READ THAT IF WE PASS THE BOND, WE WILL NOT BE TAXED ON IT? WATCHED THE VIDEO, AND STOCKWELL SAID IF THE BOND PASSES, IT WOULD NOT INCREASE TAXES. WOULD IT THEN EXTEND THE TIME PERIOD TO PAY IT OFF? OR IS THAT WHAT THE MATCHING FUNDS ARE FOR?

The district worked hard to package a bond ask that would not increase the current amount or extend the length of the bond.  What Mr. Stockwell is referencing is that the bond on the ballot will not change the current tax rate of $2.28 per $1000 of assessed value.  Next year the tax rate is expected to drop by $.07 per $1000, which is enough to offer a $4 million dollar bond to secure the $4 million matching grant from the state without changing what taxpayers paid this past year.  In the event the bond doesn’t pass, taxpayers will see a $.07 per $1000 savings on a home assessed at $300,000, which is about $1.75 a month savings.  

All $8 million will go to completing the High School construction project.

IS THE PROJECT STILL ON TRACK TO REMAIN WITHIN THE BUDGET? IF NOT, WHAT HAS CAUSED THE BUDGET TO INCREASE OR DECREASE?

The short answer is yes.  Supply chain issues and inflation have caused the budget to grow.  As the budget grows, the school district must remove items originally planned as part of the construction to remain on budget.  

WHAT'S UP WITH THE FIELDS, WHY IS THE CONSTRUCTION KEEPING US OFF OF THEM?

The fields are currently open for use.

HOW MUCH LONGER UNTIL WE CAN USE THE GYM OR AUDITORIUM?

Barring any unforeseen issues, we anticipate having access to the gyms by mid-fall of 2023 and the auditorium by Spring Break of 2024.

ARE THERE ANY ADDED SAFETY MEASURES TO THE BUILDINGS?

Yes, enclosures connecting the old building A to building B and C making it one large building.  A secure vestibular entry.  Security doors with alarms are being installed so they can not be left open and unlocked.  Window treatment in areas of high traffic to reduce the ability to break them to gain access.  Upgrades to all of the fire and life safety alarm systems.

HOW SOON WILL THE PARKING LOT BE DONE?

The parking lots will most likely be done at the end of the construction project. 

WHEN WILL THE PORTABLES BE REMOVED?

At this time, all but one of the portables will be moved at the completion of the construction.  The district has no intentions of keeping them except for the one that was there prior to construction designed to serve our Sp. Education Transition Program.

IS THERE A PLAN FOR GRADUATION?

Yes, like last year, graduation is planned for the football field stadium.