FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

● How much is this going to cost me?

For the average single family home valued at $229,150…

-The estimate for the maximum total cost to the taxpayer for the project is $277
per year or $23 per month.

-Because we have other debt coming off the tax roles at that time, the actual
increase in our taxes will be lower.

-The estimate for the maximum net cost to the taxpayer is $240.61 per year or
$20.05 per month.

● If the debt-exclusion passes, on what date will the tax increase become
effective?

January, 2013

● Please explain the difference between a debt-exclusion and an override.

A debt-exclusion allows us to raise taxes to pay for one particular project. When the debt is paid off, the tax goes away.

An override is a permanent increase in the tax rate.

● What happened to the money from the last override?

$700,000 of the $1.2 million is being used for the preliminary work associated with the high school building project. The remaining $500,000 is still reserved for the elementary school feasibility study.

● Why are we building a new high school first rather than an elementary
school?

-Both projects are very important and both were submitted to the MSBA
-MSBA considered the elementary project to be 4 separate projects.
-They would not allow us to close 4 buildings and build 1 in its place.
-MSBA required us to pick one project
-Closing one elementary school and building one would not meet our needs.
-The high school became the logical choice – further supported by the fact that our accreditation status at the HS is at risk because of our building.

● How much money do we lose due to school choice each year?

We lose more than 1 million dollars every year due to school choice.

● Will a new school building really make a difference in the education of
our children?

Absolutely! The current building has many issues that impede our teacher’s ability to teach and our student’s ability to learn. Our teachers are constrained by our building.

The present facility does not adequately support or enhance student learning.

Research studies indicate that there is a relationship between the quality of a school building and student performance.

Dr. Jeffery Lackney, a well-known researcher in this field, stated in a presentation before a sub-committee of the United States Congress “…the evidence is overwhelming that school buildings are of critical importance to the teaching and learning process.”

● What are the key problems with our current building?

- Overcrowded program spaces
- Undersized classrooms per state standards
- Inadequate facilities for current special programs
- Lacks infrastructure for current technology
- No auditorium for active music and drama programs
- On “warning” status with NEASC accreditation

1961 building does not meet current building codes
-Not handicap accessible
-Lacks sprinkler system
-Does not meet current structural codes

Other problems:
-Poorly organized, inflexible building, space problems
-Insufficient storage
-Structural cracking
-Worn finishes
-Inefficient and poorly controlled heating and ventilation systems
-Inadequate electrical and data infrastructure

● How long is this project going to take?

May 18th, 2010: Debt-Exclusion Vote
June`10 – Jan`11: Complete final design and bid documents
Spring `11: Begin construction of new facility
Spring `13: Complete construction
Summer`13: Demolish existing building
Fall`13: School opens in new facility

● Why are we going to build on the current property rather than a new site?

We don’t have suitable land available for a new site.

The state does not help fund land acquisition costs.

The existing site preserves open space in the community.

The proposed project fully complies with all zoning regulations. No special permits or variances are required.

● Why is this going to be a new building rather than a renovation?

A renovation would be more costly than building a new school.

A new building will result in a better facility that will meet our educational needs.

The state will not support renovating our current facility.

● If the city does not approve the debt exclusion, what will happen next?

We will lose our state funding.

It will be many years before the city will be considered again for any funding assistance, for any school building project.

We will have a serious accreditation situation to deal with. If we lose our accreditation it will not be good for our students, or for our city.

● What is the benefit of the new school to the community?

Communities are defined by their schools. The reputation of a school district directly impacts a community’s desirability as a place to live and its desirability to businesses.

Realtors agree that a new school building will have a positive impact on property values.

We expect that a new H.S. will reduce the number of children that leave Easthampton through school choice. (Allowing us to hold on to more money for our district rather than having to pay other districts.)

This new school is being designed to be well-suited for community use:

-In addition to the auditorium and athletic facilities, other portions of the building such as the library, several classrooms & meeting spaces are located to provide controlled access for community groups.

-The cafe-commons area will provide space for large groups to gather when not being used for dining, and the adjacent kitchen can act as a concessions or serving area for large groups.

-The building design also includes the necessary infrastructure & support facilities to serve as an emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or other catastrophe within the community.

● Why now?

We are guaranteed state reimbursement now.

A negative vote forfeits the millions we will get in guaranteed state funding.

We can take advantage of today’s lower borrowing costs (an extremely favorable bond rate) and a very competitive bid environment.

Bond repayment won’t begin until January of 2013 allowing time for the economy to improve.

The MSBA has made it clear. If Easthampton does not approve the funding for the EHS project in May, it will be many years before the city will be considered again for any school building project.