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School bond proposed P-T district residents voice approval By VICKI GUARINO PHOENIX -- Community support is encouraging school district officials to proceed with a $16.2 million expansion and rebuilding plan. A phone survey of 400 district residents shows 62 percent favor the construction plan, 28 percent oppose it and 10 percent are undecided. "That's very positive," school district Superintendent Dave Willard said Tuesday. The survey of the Phoenix and Talent communities was conducted in March by professional pollsters. The public opinion poll was the last step in planning for a bond measure on the November ballot. A committee spent a few months last fall examining school grounds and identifying various building needs. The committee came up with the $16.2 million plan that enlarges overcrowded schools and makes major repairs and renovations. The survey was intended to show district officials whether voters would support the plan. Although support overall appears strong, Willard says, he will likely recommend that the board cut some items from the proposal. "I'm not sure about including everything on the original list," he said. The proposal includes: $7.9 million for repairs, renovations and safety and security improvements at all schools. $3.1 million for new classrooms and program space at most schools. $1.3 million to replace lights at all elementary schools. $1.2 million for new cafeterias at Phoenix and Talent elementary schools. $600,000 for a modular district office. $150,000 to improve school kitchens and the district maintenance shop. $600,000 to build two new athletic fields. $1 million for land for future development. If the school board decides to proceed to a vote on the package, and voters approve, the property tax rate would increase by $1.17 per $1,000 assessed valuation for 20 years. The voter survey questioned overall support for the plan, and then asked questions to help district officials determine which aspects of the plan are the most and least popular. Willard noted that the most popular aspects are construction of new classrooms, redoing heating, ventilation and air conditioning, and renovations to improve student safety and building security. Pollsters found less support for athletic fields, land purchase and new district offices. The school board is expected to begin sorting through building plans and survey results at its May 11 meeting at Phoenix High School. "We hope to have it figured out by the end of May," Willard said. The survey also asked participants to grade the district's performance. Half of the respondents rated the district "very good" or "excellent," but 26 percent said they didn't know enough about it to form an opinion. "That's too high," Willard said. About 70 percent of district households do not have students enrolled in the district, Willard said, adding the district needs to undertake efforts to reach those households. Today's Edition : News | Sports | Business | Weather | Tempo | Classifieds Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 2000, Medford, Oregon USA