Letter: Some info on 3A and 3B - #lakewoodnews

As the election approaches, voters need accurate information about Jeffco Schools' 3A and 3B, mill levy override and bond. Here are the facts about how 3A and 3B help Jeffco students.

The bond, 3B, will address facilities needs districtwide, including repairs and remodeling to Jeffco's current schools. Some schools will receive additions to cost-effectively manage growth, and two new schools will be built. The bond will save Jeffco Schools thousands of dollars in utilities and maintenance.

The bond also adds 42 classrooms to middle schools while removing over 200 "temps" from elementary schools - allowing all Jeffco sixth-graders to access the academic and elective options that students in Evergreen, Conifer, Golden and other parts of Jeffco have enjoyed for years.

Why build new schools when other schools have empty seats? Because Jeffco needs seats where the students live now and where growth is happening. It's simply not cost-effective or practical to bus students 30 minutes or more to multiple schools that can only accommodate a small portion of that neighborhood's students.  

There have also been a lot of confusing statements about the bond financing. Let's make it simple: this bond is structured so that the taxpayer share remains consistent throughout the 25-year payoff period. Jeffco's Capital Asset Management Committee - which includes community members with several decades of experience in the financial industry - has approved the bond proposal and will provide oversight of all capital investments to assure the best possible financial performance.

Money from 3A will attract and retain excellent teachers, target safety, security and mental health needs, and increase funding to individual schools so they can enhance educational programming for their students.

I urge you to vote yes on 3A and 3B because they are sound financial investments in current and future Jeffco students.

Bill Bottoms,

Lakewood

 

 

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Letter-Some-info-on-3A-and-3B,238113