Redmond School Board sends $70 million measure to ballot

(Update: Adding video, comments from McIntosh, school board member; other board actions)

The Redmond School Board on Wednesday night unanimously approved a resolution to place a nearly $70 million bond measure on the Nov. 6 ballot.

The bond package addresses safety and security upgrades and maintenance projects for every school building, and replaces M.A. Lynch Elementary with a new building.

“I’m pleased that the board took action to make our schools safer, extend the life of our buildings and make them more energy efficient,” Board Chair Tim Carpenter said. “Safe and modern schools help build our economy and community and will leave a legacy that outlasts all of us.”

Before the vote, district representatives went over the proposed bond project list, detailing projects that would include district-wide capital repairs and improvements to classrooms and school facilities, secure school entrances, upgrade or install security cameras, and the plan for full replacement of Lynch Elementary.

“I’m looking forward to partnering with the board and community to pass the bond in November,” Superintendent Mike McIntosh said. “The bond’s success is critical in ensuring we can properly secure our buildings and keep them running well into the future.”

The school board’s resolution includes the establishment of a citizen oversight committee, an independent citizen-led body in charge of monitoring the planned improvements, progress and schedule of costs of the bond program.

“I’m elated,” Macintosh said of the vote. “This is as good as it gets, when you get a board that’s 100 percent supportive. This is really really really good for our kids, our district and our community.”

A school board member said they are taking the steps needed to prevent a school shooting.

“I know the difficulties in updating some of the designs from the past,” board member Rick Bailey said. ” It can be quite expensive. But once we get there, I think we’ll all be happy about it.”

For more information about the district’s bond package, visit redmondschoolbond.org.

The school board also passed a policy that provides an opportunity for classrooms to have a class pet.

Also, while the district considers a name for the Ridgeview High football stadium, the late Reece Rollins, who scored the Ravens’ first-ever touchdown, had his name added to the list of candidates after his grandfather made the case Wednesday night.