Passage of Cheney school bond needed to accommodate growth

The Cheney School District has chosen to go for round three of the bond proposal vote.

In 2015, the voters rejected the $44.8 million bond twice. I have pleaded with the school board, at their meetings, to come up with a lower bond amount and only go for the needs not all the wants. Instead, they have pushed the amount from the previous $44.8 million to now $52 million.

This is a new tax, and since it is an unlimited general obligation bond, it is like a new mortgage on our property. Even those who rent pay through their rent.

I am the mother of two daughters in the Cheney School District. I am writing in support of the upcoming bond measure, which is a proposal to fund renovation or construction of buildings within the district.

This bond is an issuance of $52 million of general bonds that will pay associated costs of expanding and renovating Cheney High School, Sunset Elementary, Windsor Elementary and Betz Elementary. Also making security improvements to these schools and Salnave Elementary along with acquiring land and relocating Three Springs High school from the current portables. The improvements are greatly needed in the district as the projected enrollment over the next six years is anticipated to be an additional 620 students.

Cheney School District is an amazing district and provides a quality education not only for my children but for thousands of other children. Please continue to support our community and vote yes Feb. 14, 2017.

Let’s make sure to keep Cheney Schools moving forward and help to support the growth in our community.

Jennifer Darvis

Cheney.