Abond issue election is Tuesday for Newcastle-area residents who live in the Newcastle Public School District. If approved, the $15 million issue would keep the current sinking fund tax rate in place, while maintaining the District’s bonding capacity. The result would be maximizing funds available with no tax increase for the residents.
If you vote yes for the bond issue, you are saying yes to providing for the students.
Projects to be built based on the school’s needs as planned by a committee of local residents include a multi-classroom addition with storm shelter at Newcastle Elementary School for $5,730,000, a classroom expansion for the aviation program at Newcastle High School for $1,715,000, track resurfacing, infield resurfacing, and site improvements to the Track & Field Complex for $905,000, a new soccer locker room building with restrooms and concessions at NHS Racer Stadium for $5,405,000, and parking improvements at the Newcastle School District Transportation Facility for $1,245,000.
If you vote no and the bond issue loses, the elementary school children will still have a 10-minute walk outside to the community storm shelter. Classroom space will still be necessary, but no funds will be available.
The worn-out track will still cause shin splints, and the other sports facilities will continue to dilapidate and be outgrown.
A no vote will mean the school system will lose the ability to maintain bonding capacity and provide the classroom spaces, places and extras that make the difference between an inferior school district. It will mean an uphill battle to provide for school needs in a growing community.
You can look around the state and see the cities and towns that don’t support their schools. Their children have fewer future options. They grow up in negativity and infighting, which in turn becomes a vicious circle of apathy spiraling downward.
The August 25 election is a chance for Newcastle residents to say no to the negativity here, and instead say yes to our students. It is the chance to advance our bonding capabilities.
A yes vote will help ensure that our students have what they need to become educated, socialized and competitive for what comes next in their lives. We urge you to vote yes on Tuesday.
