Proposition 3
Revote of an item included on the 2015 bond issue. That bond included a project named “Elementary 17” which has yet to be constructed, because the dollars are not yet available for expenditure. Rather than add another elementary school, which will add to the district’s overall operating costs and require an attendance zone redistricting, Proposition 3 asks voters to consider adding classroom pods to existing elementary schools.
Classroom pods are groups of 4-6 classrooms that could be added on to an existing building as a new “wing.” The blueprints for the newer elementaries included additional wings that could be added at a later date if the money was available, and the shared spaces (i.e. cafeteria, gymnasium, media center) are scaled for a higher student population than what is currently present. Parking lot expansions and road improvements (Proposition 1) would also need to be made to accommodate more enrollment at these sites. Approval of this question could add classroom pods at the following elementaries:
- Aspen Creek
- Highland Park
- Rosewood
- Timber Ridge
- Creekwood
Adding classrooms using this method will enable the district to maintain low class sizes at the elementary levels. This type of construction can also be completed much faster than building an entirely new elementary. If Proposition 3 is not approved by the voters, “Elementary 17” will be constructed as originally planned using $30 million already approved in 2015. However, due to inflation, the amount originally allocated will only fund a building capable of accommodating 300-400 students, and redistricting will be necessary once the location is selected.
Proposition 3 asks for no new money.