Potential bond measure would update Redmond schools

Redmond schools could receive a makeover over the next several years, if voters approve a possible money measure. The first of four community meetings about a maintenance bond measure took place in Terrebonne Monday night.

The bond would allow the district to tackle needed repairs on existing schools. Those repairs have not been able to happen, due to limited funds.

While the meeting took place in Terrebonne, the measure would fund improvements to all 13 schools that serve Redmond, Alfalfa, Crooked River Ranch, Eagle Crest and Tumalo.

Superintendent Mike McIntosh presented several maintenance and safety issues, including instructional maintenance, safety, security and earthquake preparedness. For example, he said the Redmond High School roof needs to be replaced, and Tumalo Community School needs new lighting.

McIntosh said he wants to shift the focus from building new schools to safety issues that need to be addressed at existing schools.

“We have capacity, so it’s not like we are out of space, but it’s the case of how do we make the most of the spaces we have,” McIntosh said.

“We have parking lots that are aging, we have facilities for P.E. that are aging and have shown wear and tear over the last 30 to 40 years. It’s the case of trying to get those caught up, to make an absolutely wonderful educational environment for our kids.”

McIntosh said the district projects about 850 more students over the next 10 years, which means a new school does not need to be built right away.

Braedi Kolberg, a mother of two children at Terrebonne Community School, said she is concerned about the safety of Terrebonne kids. She said she hopes there’s also more discussion with Deschutes County about keeping children safe on the roads once they leave the school.

Kolberg said she wants kids to have more direction, and hopes some of the back entrances such as C Street could someday have crosswalks and sidewalks.

Overall, Kolberg said she was happy with the superintendent’s presentation.

“I was hoping to come and ask for some of that money in the bond measure to be directed to helping with the traffic situation here in Terrebonne,” Kolberg said. “It looks like it can be streamlined to be a very particular bill for the safety of our children, and not only the buildings that surround them, but also the people that come in and out of the schools.”

The district hopes to have a bond measure proposal ready by January and place it on the ballot as soon as possible.

Three more community meetings are planned. The next one is Oct. 30 at Lynch Elementary School. For a full list: http://www.redmond.k12.or.us/2017/10/09/community-bond-forums/