Pasco schools won't run another bond in 2011

PASCO -- The Pasco School District will not run another bond election this year.

To alleviate overcrowding, the fast-growing district ran a $59 million bond measure last month that failed by a wide margin.

About 49 percent of voters were in favor of having their taxes raised $95 a year for a $100,000 home. Bond measures need 60 percent to pass.

On Tuesday, Superintendent Saundra Hill asked the board whether the district should try again. There are two election dates available this year -- a primary in mid-August and the general election in early November.

The deadline to get on the August ballot is May 24, Hill said. No other board meeting is scheduled before that date, which meant a decision had to be made Tuesday.

No board member thought it a good idea to run the bond again after the defeat.

"I think people made their choice," said board President Sherry Lancon. "To put it out again means we didn't listen."

Other members of the board voiced similar sentiments.

"We asked, and they answered," said Bill Leggett. "We should respect that."

The district will have to run an operations levy next February to replace the one in place. That property tax levy will pay for essentials such as keeping the lights on and the buses running.

"I'd be concerned about the effect (of a bond election) on the levy in February," said Jeffery Dong. "We definitely need that to keep our schools running."

Although no official vote was taken, the board unanimously directed Hill not to run a bond election this year.

"The next logical time to try would be 2013," Hill said. "But that's not a decision to be made now."

To immediately create space at Pasco schools, the district will add 20 portable classrooms, Hill said.

None of the other measures to help overcrowding is being considered for next school year.

"Let me make it clear -- we will not go to double-shifting or multi-track year-round school (in the fall)," Hill said.

A committee discussing those options will deliver its report in August. They might be put into place for 2012-13, Hill has said.

* Jacques Von Lunen: 509-582-1402; jvonlunen@tricityherald.com

This story was originally published May 11, 2011 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Pasco schools won't run another bond in 2011 ."