By Jim Shank

On April 28, Coupeville School District will ask voters to approve a three-year capital projects levy to repair, improve, modernize and/or expand district facilities. The focus of the levy is specific and includes deferred maintenance at all three of the district’s schools and one expansion at the elementary school multi-purpose room.

For many years, even outdated equipment could be coaxed into working for another year. Unfortunately, this is simply no longer an option.

For example, at the middle school the heating, air-conditioning and ventilation unit requires several annual repairs and is so noisy that it must be turned off during theatrical performances in the performing arts center.

The hallway floor tiles are cracking and bubbling, and the roof is beyond its life expectancy. The elementary school restrooms require plumbing and ventilation updates. Serving lunch while conducting PE in the multi-purpose room is an ongoing challenge.

At the high school, the 1979 main gym bleachers have been well maintained and repaired through the years, but the parts for the motors are no longer available. You may have noticed during this year’s basketball season that one set of bleachers is no longer functioning.

Furthermore, the track and field complex at Mickey Clark Field was installed in 1984 and is in desperate need of replacement. The plan to develop Engle Field was sidelined when construction costs for the high school exceeded budget in 2007 and requires completion.

The proposed levy election is designed to collect $5 million over three years at a rate of .85726, or $21.43, a month for a $300,000 home. The levy is short-term, interest-free, and will expire in 2018. The levy would support three project phases, beginning with the elementary school restrooms, the middle school HVAC, the track and field complex, and gym bleachers.

Phase two would include the elementary school HVAC system, middle school floor and roof, Engle Field completion, and resurfacing of the tennis courts. The third and final phase would include the addition to the elementary school multi-purpose room, sound and lighting in the performing arts center, the repair of leaking windows, and the construction of a restroom and concessions facility at Mickey Clark Field.

For additional information on the construction phases, please see the Coupeville School District Voter Fact Sheet or attend an upcoming levy presentation for an eyewitness view of what is needed.

Besides being the learning center for pre-K-12 students, Coupeville School District hosts many community-based activities throughout the school year. Good schools and well-maintained school facilities help to draw and retain these activities for our community. Furthermore, attractive schools help to support business and real estate values as well as build school and community spirit. The proposed levy would help to maintain the school facilities and property values for years to come.

It is my hope that voters will not only recognize the need to repair, improve, modernize, and/or expand our schools for our students, but will also see the overall value associated with attractive and useful facilities for everyone.

I have been conducting public meetings specific to capital projects and the levy. We have three additional meetings scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Monday, March 30, at the elementary school library; 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 31, at the middle school foyer; and 6 p.m. Monday, April 13, at the gym complex and fields. I hope to see you there.

Jim Shank is superintendent for Coupeville School District.