The Tacoma Public Schools (TPS) capital improvement bond on the March 10 ballot, if approved by voters, would provide for complete modernizations or replacement of four district secondary schools and fund small capital projects districtwide. The $300 million bond issue would cover the first of four phases of the Tacoma Renewal and Excellence Program (T-REX) that would continue updating schools through 2020.
“T-Rex Phase I is part of a long-range district facilities improvement plan to update our aging schools and provide equitable educational environments for all Tacoma students,” said Superintendent Art Jarvis. “And, the passage of the bond would complete our capital construction program at the secondary level."
If the March 10 bond measure is approved, it would pay for major construction projects at Baker, Hunt and Stewart middle schools and Phase II of Wilson High School. These school range in age from 51 to 84 years old with an average age of 60 years. The bond would also fund small capital projects throughout the district including:
- Heating and ventilation improvements
- Carpet and roof replacements
- Energy efficiency measures
- Improvements to enhance accessibility for people with disabilities
- Playground equipment improvements
- Site improvements for parking and student pick-up and drop-off areas
Other examples of small capital projects that would be covered in this first T-REX phase include: Foss High School carpet replacement and Foss Little Theater and athletic field improvements; Lincoln High School athletic field and performing art center improvements; Stadium High School athletic field turf replacement; and Wilson High School athletic field and performing arts center improvements.
If the March 10 bond measure is approved by voters, the district estimates that the school tax rate would increase by $.75 per thousand of assessed property value in 2010. The estimated 2011 school tax rate would be significantly less than the 2004 rate.
Some senior citizens and people with disabilities may be exempt from all or part of this bond. Contact the Pierce County Assessor-Treasurer’s Office or call the Senior Citizen and Disabled Persons Exemption Hotline at 253.798.2169 for more information on who can qualify for the exemption.
To learn more about the March 10 bond measure and voter registration, go to the Tacoma Public Schools Web site at www.tacoma.schools.org. You can also request a speaker on the bond measure for your organization’s next meeting by calling the Public Information Office at 253.571.1015.