Board votes to put bond on ballot

The Camas School Board unanimously approved putting a $120 million measure on the Feb. 9, 2016, ballot Monday night.

“After a thorough community process of gathering input, our board approved a bond resolution for placement on the Feb. 9 ballot that we believe will enable the Camas School District to meet the current and future capacity needs of our students, as well as make critical safety and security improvements to our facilities,” said Mary Tipton, board president.

The measure will include the following projects:

A 600-student magnet high school on the CHS campus.

A new Lacamas Heights Elementary School, north of Lacamas Lake, to accommodate 600 students.

Implementation of long-term parking solutions for CHS using the current Lacamas Heights site.

Acquisition of property for future school sites.

Improve building safety at all schools with controlled entry/access points, fob controls, video surveillance and upgraded exterior lighting and fencing.

Facility improvements such as ADA and mechanical system upgrades, roof improvements, technology infrastructure upgrades and carpet replacement.

Modernize the Joyce Garver Theater/Garfield building, add concessions and bathrooms to the Doc Harris Stadium visitor side, and turf and light improvements at CHS fields.

If approved, starting in 2017, the bond measure would cost a taxpayer with a property valued at $300,000 approximately $15 more per month. The owner of a property worth $500,000 would pay an additional $25 per month.

Renovating the Garfield building so that it can house the district’s preschool programs will open up space at Woodburn Elementary and Camas High School. It can also be used by arts and music programs both inside and outside of the district.

“I’m thankful to all the parents, teachers and students who took time to speak up and help us form this bond proposal,” said Board Member Doug Quinn. “This process has been in progress for months and I’m encouraged that the proposal will address the broad needs of Camas students.”

A decision was made not to build a second, comprehensive high school at this time due to lack of infrastructure near a potential site.

“As our district looks to purchase land it will be important to place a future high school campus in the new growth area,” said Jeff Snell, assistant superintendent.

He added that estimates to build a high school could exceed $100 million, consuming a majority of the bond capacity.

For more information about the bond, visit www.camas.wednet.edu/2016bond.

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