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Phoenix-Talent begins needs poll Will affect possible school bond measure By VICKI GUARINO PHOENIX -- Telephones started ringing today as part of a survey on school building needs and funding. Researchers will ask 43 questions ranging from general knowledge of the 2,800-student Phoenix-Talent School District to specific needs. Responses will be used by the school board as it decides whether to seek construction funding through a bond measure in November. Schools Superintendent Dave Willard said results will be weighed heavily by board members. "We know what our needs are," Willard said, "but we want to make sure that what we're asking for has a chance of passing." The district wants $16.2 million for a wide-ranging plan of expansion, renovation and improvement. A 20-plus member citizens' committee came up with the plan after meeting through the fall to assess buildings and prepare for growth. Some schools already are operating at capacity. The committee's proposal is viewed as an answer to immediate needs for classroom space, and for repairs and needs for the next 10 years. The school board received the committee recommendations last month. In a nutshell, the committee proposes projects as follows: $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 it, the property tax rate would increase by $1.17 per $1,000 assessed valuation. With the telephone survey, the district is entering the next phase in planning for a November vote. The questions measure a variety of issues and the degree of public interest in schools. From there, the survey goes into specifics about the condition of school buildings. Willard said the intent is to identify specific projects that are supported or opposed. Do residents support security measures like electronic keys and fencing, for example, or replacing failing exterior walls, doors, windows and roofs? Do they support construction of new baseball and softball fields, with sprinklers, at the Colver Road athletic site? Or, do residents agree with such statements as "The schools receive plenty of money, they just don't manage it well," or "My taxes are already too high." The random telephone survey probably will continue through next week. Canvassers will record and tabulate the response of 400 residents. Results will have an estimated 5 percent margin of error. The school board is expected to review results in April and make a bond decision soon after. Today's Edition : News | Sports | Business | Weather | Tempo | Classifieds Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 2000, Medford, Oregon USA