July 15, 2010
Currently, Phase 1 and 2 Bond projects are underway at all schools. This includes improvements to parking lots, roofs and replacement of all boilers. Please note: All parking lots are under construction. Dallas High School is open, but the entrance to the building is on the Ash Street side of the building (Entrance H). For information on access to each school please call the school directly or the district office at 503.623.5594.
The bond projects are overseen by a group of citizens appointed by the School Board. The Citizens Advisory Committee meets on the 2nd Wednesday of each month and are open to the public. The agenda, materials and minutes are posted on our website.
Each month we publish frequently asked questions regarding our bond projects. Archived versions of the FAQ’s are posted on this site.
Questions we’ve heard recently:
Q: Why are you removing the chimneys at several schools?
A: With the replacement of the boilers, these chimneys will no longer be used. Brick chimneys are considered a seismic hazard and some of the chimneys have loose bricks and are a safety concern.
Q: We’ve heard there is a budget crisis in the school district. Can’t you use bond dollars to hire teachers instead of pave parking lots?
A: There are very strict rules that must be followed with the bond proceeds or our district would be severely penalized with huge fines. The bond proceeds can ONLY be used for what the voters approved. We would be in violation of the bond rules if we allocated any of the bond funds to keep teachers or programs in the district.
As a side note, voters can approve a local option tax levy up to 5 years for operations of the district. A local option levy for operations would allow the district to use those funds for teachers and programs.
Q: Why are you excavating so many of the parking lots? Couldn’t you just patch and pave them?
A: Before beginning work on any of the parking lots, we had a Geotechnical Engineer review the condition of the surfaces. In areas where the subsurface is holding up, we’ve been able to patch and pave. We’ve done this at the Morrison Building, on the east parking lot of Whitworth and on parts of the Oakdale parking lot. However, for the parking lots where the subgrade has failed, excavation is a more efficient and safer option. If we’d only patched and paved these lots, the subgrade would have continued to fail, and another patch job would have been necessary in two or three years. Excavation ensures a 20- to 30-year lifespan, a more cost-effective option for the District. Also, at schools where there are bus and parent drop-off safety issues, we’ve re-graded and altered the curbs. Excavating those parking lots concurrently has saved the District money and ensured safer spaces.
Q: If I have questions who should I contact?
A: Contact: Christy Perry, Superintendent at 503.623.5594 or christy.perry@dallas.k12.or.us
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