CHENEY – In a recent interview with Cheney School District Superintendent Ben Ferney and Financial Director Jamie Reed, the duo shed light on the district’s comprehensive plans outlined in the upcoming bond proposal. The proposal, totaling $72 million, aims to address pressing issues, such as overcapacity, safety concerns, and the need for additional facilities.
The cost of the bond to taxpayers is estimated to be $0.53 for every 1000 dollars of assessed property value, which will total $72 million. Addressing concerns about additional taxes during a time of economic uncertainty, Superintendent Ferney emphasized the historical reliance on levies for school funding.
“I would hope what the community gets out of this is the improved environment for our students,” he remarked.
Reed highlighted the district’s growth, questioning, “How do we best serve those that are there and those that are coming to us?”
One of the focal points of the proposal is the construction of an additional elementary school in Airway Heights, catering to 500 students, accompanied by the acquisition of land for future secondary and elementary schools. Jamie Reed emphasized the immediate need for a new transportation facility site, providing essential infrastructure to accommodate the district’s growth.
Reed explained, “Building an elementary school in Airway Heights is the first priority.” Reed also pointed out the necessity for a new transportation facility site to facilitate the district’s ongoing growth.
Allocation details include $3.5 million earmarked for safety and security enhancements. Reed pointed out the necessity, citing concerns at Windsor Elementary, where a lack of proper infrastructure poses challenges for parents picking up their children.
Reflecting on past expansions, Reed noted, “The last board in 2017 expanded three of our elementary schools. The new additions were too obvious, it wasn’t a seamless transition. We want to make sure that all students can have the same learning environment.”
Regarding the acquisition of land for a future secondary school, Reed outlined a flexible approach.
“Our facilities team said not to set an exact timeline, but to let a certain threshold be met, and then we are going to plan for it. We don’t have a plan right now,” Reed explained. This approach allows the district to adapt to evolving needs.
Superintendent Ferney discussed the origins of Proposition 1, explaining, “The board said that we need more plans to address growth. The purpose of having parents and stakeholders do the planning is to make sure we represent our community.”
Reed added, “Until the pandemic, we were planning for this. After that, the board decided to reopen discussions.”
The community’s perception of the bond is still a complex issue.
Superintendent Ferney acknowledged the challenge, stating, “Jamie and I have gone out and done a lot of levy and bond presentations.”
Financial Director Reed emphasized the community committee’s role in representing the community’s views. However, the ultimate gauge is the election results, Reed noted.
Clare is an Eastern Washington University graduate and a reporter at Free Press Publishing.
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