Redmond schools discuss where bond money would go

The Redmond School Board once again discussed a proposed $70 million bond measure to update all district schools at its meeting Wednesday evening.

The bond would help the district renovate and update assets in every school building. According to Superintendent Mike McIntosh, the bond would update school security features, such as the front entrances, improve energy efficiency, and renovate roofs and floors.

McIntosh said the only school that would hopefully be entirely replaced is Lynch Elementary, where a heavy snow load on the roof prompted canceled classes last winter.

The district has held various public forums so far, asking for the public’s opinion.

McIntosh said community members are supportive, but apprehensive about paying more taxes.

He hopes residents understand the bond measure is really the only way all 13 schools can receive necessary safety updates.

“How do we make the learning environment absolutely perfect for kids?” McIntosh said. “We have some classrooms without any natural lighting whatsoever, we’ve got air quality that could be addressed, and the heat and cold as well. Part of the big message in all of it is, it’s not the need for more classrooms, more space (…) but we have to take care of what we do have. So that’s what this bond’s about.”

McIntosh said the school board still has to decide whether to put the bond measure on the May or November ballot.

The district hired McKinstry, an energy, construction and engineering firm, which toured the 13 schools to determine where the greatest problems are.

At the meeting, the firm’s engineers said they want to make the facilities more energy-efficient. They surveyed more than 1.1 million square feet of area.

According to their review, Redmond and Ridgeview high schools cost the most to operate.

The pumps are failing at the Redmond Early Learning Center, while Obsidian Middle School’s water heater is 34 years old.

Energy engineer Daniel Shaw said replacing Lynch Elementary is more cost-effective than remodeling it.

“There are a few common themes, so the HVAC systems, that’s your heating, cooling, and air conditioning, as well as the domestic hot water systems, are all very aged,” Shaw said. “Redmond High School just remodeled the interior, but the lighting and HVAC systems weren’t touched, so Redmond High School is over 40 years old and it’s past its useful life twice over.”

Shaw also said the bond measure is the only way the district will get the money it needs to fix all current issues and safely maintain all the schools.

If the board wants to put the measure on the May ballot, they have to make a decision by Feb. 23.