A group of Tacoma citizens have joined to help Tacoma Public Schools cinch what may be a difficult bond vote in March. Tacoma Citizens for Schools is not affiliated with Tacoma Public Schools, but its members recognize the importance of continuing to fund capital improvements. Some schools need new carpet, others need HVAC upgrades, while others need more extensive work. There is ample evidence, and plenty of studies, that suggest good surroundings influence quality of learning. Recognizing that local citizens are likely to be resistant to spending extra pennies this year, a small but rapidly growing group has formed to help convince them that these pennies are worth contributing.



“We have a theme of ‘building on a history of strong foundations’,” says man-about-town Marty Campbell, who has stepped up to manage the campaign. “We need to keep our education facilities up to par, and we need to make sure that our kids have a clean, safe, learning-friendly environment. Many studies have shown what happens when kids are in environments that aren’t conducive to learning.”



The proposed $300 million bond would cover the first proposed phase of the Tacoma Renewal and Excellence Program, according to the Tacoma Public Schools Web site. The program, which goes by T-Rex for short, is a four-phase, long-range facilities improvement plan that would stretch into 2020. The program would use funds to complete upgrades at the remaining 24 district schools that have not seen any significant renovation.



Tacoma Public Schools officials estimate that the total tax rate would increase by 75 cents per thousand of assessed property value in 2010. It’s worth noting that school taxes are significantly lower than in the past, and the proposed tax rate would actually be about $2 less that the total school tax rate in 2004.



But no matter how meager the request, this year’s bond vote is going to be a tough one.

Aside from widespread economic anxiety, Tacoma Citizens for Schools has quite a few votes to drum up. To gain approval, advocates will have to woo 40 percent of the people who voted in the last election. Remember, we had stronger-than-usual voter turnout last year, which raises the bar significantly. Campbell estimates they’ll need 34,000 votes to approve. The 2008 levy received 28,000 votes, and failed.



Just so Tacoma knows what’s what, Tacoma Public Schools reports that the bond would fund major construction projects at Baker Middle School, Hunt Middle School, Stewart Middle School, and phase II of construction at Wilson High School. Several smaller projects would include: carpet replacement and theater and athletic field upgrades at Foss High School; athletic field and performing arts center upgrades at Lincoln High School; turf replacement at Stadium; athletic and performing arts center upgrades at Wilson. Remaining funds would go toward district-wide improvements such as HVAC upgrades, roof replacements, carpet replacements, energy conservation, Americans with Disabilities Act compliance, playground equipment upgrades and site improvements for parking and traffic flow.



Votes will be cast entirely by mail this year, which should make the process easier. Campbell adds that the bond would provide plenty of jobs when construction begins, as well as being good for schools.



“It’s one of those investments that has a multiplying effect,” he says.



Web note: Don’t forget to join the Tacoma Citizens for Schools on Facebook.