$7.5 million school bond passes with nearly 80 percent in favor

SHELLEY — The people have spoken. Shelley School District will get its $7.5 million bond.

With 636 total votes and 79.25 percent in favor, school district residents passed a $7.5 million bond Tuesday. The bond needed a supermajority to pass. That’s a minimum of 66.67 percent.

“On behalf of the Shelley School District Board of Trustees, I want to thank the community of Shelley for supporting the bond. It passed with a 79.25% approval rate. This is the highest approval rate of any tax levy in decades. I am proud to be a part of such a great community,” Shelley Superintendent Chad Williams told Community Pioneer.

The bond will replace the current 10-year plant levy that expires this year.

RELATED: Superintendent explains Shelley’s $7.5 million bond

The district asked for a bond instead of creating a new plant levy because, through the State’s bond equalization program, 28 percent of the bond funds will be paid by the state. According to the School District, this program will save the taxpayer $2,164,323 compared to a plant levy.

The bond will increase the property tax of home and landowners in the district. Net change in taxes per $100,000 = $59.11 per year, $4.93 per month. For example, a person owning a $200,000 home would likely see their taxes raised from $538 to $656 per year. 

“The District will be responsible and transparent with these funds. Bond monies will be used to complete the seven-year projects. The seven-year projects document will be updated and accessible to all as projects are being completed over the next few years. Thank you for trusting in us and supporting the bond,” Williams said.

Some of those projects include:

• Annual maintenance & operations

• Update Hobbs HVAC and security

• Prepare Goodsell to be a kindergarten and special services center

• Hobbs roof repairs

• SHS and Hobbs fire systems replacement

• Update camera systems and electronic doors

• Replace and repair sidewalks to meet ADA compliance

• Replace SHS PA emergency system

• Create controlled front door traffic at SHS and Stuart

• Replace carpet flooring with polished cement where applicable

• Repair/refinish Stuart asphalt and playground area

• Update/repair Stuart gym floor

• Upgrade Goodsell playground to become ADA compliant

• Replace roof at Sunrise

• Upgrade sprinkler system at SHS and Sunrise

• Construct a dry storage building

• New school bus purchases