B.G. schools offer to explain bond issue

Battle Ground Public Schools has a bond issue up for vote Nov. 8, and wants to be sure residents are informed.

The district will host four Bond Information Night meetings so officials can present information about the bond measure. The district is asking for $80 million toward building four replacement schools and two new schools, replacing buildings on other campuses, and improving technology, safety and classrooms.

All members of the Battle Ground community are invited. The four sessions are:

• 6 p.m. Oct. 11 at Amboy Middle School, 22115 N.E. Chelatchie Road, Amboy.

• 6 p.m. Oct. 13 at Prairie High School, 11311 N.E. 119th St., Vancouver.

• 6 p.m. Oct. 18 at Battle Ground High School, 300 W. Main St., Battle Ground.

• 6 p.m. Oct. 20 at Glenwood Heights Primary School, 9716 N.E. 134th St., Vancouver.

The money would help build a new campus with schools serving grades K-4 and 5-8 to accommodate a growing population in the southeast corner of the district, and replace Glenwood Heights, Laurin Middle School, Pleasant Valley Primary School and Pleasant Valley Middle School.

It would also fund the replacement of the 500-900 buildings at Prairie High School and the renovation of the 300 building and the gym at Amboy Middle School.

The estimated total cost of the projects is $136.5 million, according to a release from the district, which explains that after the bonds are sold, state construction funding assistance can be tapped for up to $56.5 million for eligible projects.

The projected local tax rate for the bond issue is 45 cents per year per $1,000 of current assessed value. This rate, which works out to $112.50 for a property assessed at $250,000, is subject to change based on the total assessed value within the district boundaries.

More information about the bond can be found at www.battlegroundps.org/bond.