Public hearing draws positive comment for Canyons District bond

SANDY — It was mainly a big thumbs up for Canyons School District to go for a bond referendum as a couple dozen patrons gave their opinions to the school board in a hearing Tuesday night.

"We know our kids are our future, and we're grateful you are investing in them," said Kim Steenblik, of Cottonwood Heights.

The Canyons School Board voted unanimously in March to approve a bond election in June for up to $250 million that would not result in an increase for the district's taxpayers.

Tony Romanello, president of the Canyons Education Association, said the district's teachers union has voted unanimously to support the bond proposal.

"The executive board believes that this carefully crafted proposal, which does not raise taxes, recognizes the current economic conditions while moving forward to address pressing facility needs," Romanello said.

The bond election is planned for June 22. However, Niles Pierce, of Sandy, told the board he would rather see the bond election be in November so patrons could have longer to think about it and because general elections draw more voters.

The proposed bond is tax rate neutral. The board and administration are proposing to keep the tax rate the same, but factors such as fluctuating property value assessments, which impact taxes, cannot be controlled by the school district, according to district officials.

The plan of the district is to layer new debt into the payment structure as soon as old debt is retired. Many school districts and government agencies have used this financial strategy to mitigate impacts to taxpayers, according to district officials.

Up to $250 million could be borrowed without increasing taxes because old bond debt is being paid off.

A recent study of Canyons District facilities shows there is approximately $650 million worth of needed repairs at the schools. The $250 million is the amount the district would be able to obtain without moving beyond the tax rate that would be required to pay the district's debt.

The average age of a building in Canyons District is 38 years.

"There are a number of issues we need to address in these older schools," said Canyons Superintendent Dave Doty.

A new high school in Draper is proposed, along with approximately a dozen other upgrades and renovation projects for schools, representing every community in the district.