Bond would mean much-needed repairs to Hoquiam schools
The Hoquiam Kids First Committee is asking our community to vote “yes” to support a bond this November to replace the cedar shakes at Hoquiam High School as well as complete a comprehensive remodel of Lincoln Elementary School. Thankfully, voting for this bond will not increase property taxes as your new investment in our schools will take place after the sun sets on the existing bond for Hoquiam Middle School.
In fact, you will see a 63 percent decrease on your property taxes while benefiting your kids and community. This bond is one of those rare “win-win” scenarios.
Our community is seeking a bond for $6.8 million over the course of six years. Property tax rates will drop from $5.81 to $3.66 per $1,000 of assessed value. This investment in our community will likely be matched by a grant from the state for up to $5.3 million.
First established in 1891, Hoquiam High School has long been the center of our community. The current building, which began construction in 1966, still stands proudly overlooking Emerson Avenue. But the Home of the Grizzlies is showing her age. The 60s-era cedar shakes, which still adorn the canopy of the school’s seven buildings, measured over half an inch thick when brand new. Now, these cedar shakes are a shadow of their former selves and in desperate need of being replaced with a new material.
Similarly, Lincoln Elementary School first began serving students at the dawn of the 20th century, and like the high school, was given a new building in the late 1960s. Built strong, from the best-available materials, 50 years of wear and tear have taken a toll on Lincoln Elementary. The building has issues: pipes are old, floor and ceiling are asbestos, lighting is dim, electrical is insufficient to meet the needs of the modern classroom and the roof leaks. This bond would modernize this infrastructure and address safety issues, such as updating fire and earthquake code and protection from intruders.
It is undeniable that Hoquiam High School and Lincoln Elementary need this update. Building evaluations done by the KMB Design Group demonstrate that the condition of these schools were given a failing score — in 2009. The longer these facilities waste away, the more expensive they become. For example, the maintenance department repairs leaks at both schools as they occur, but how long until the nearly 80 inches of annual precipitation cause irreversible damage? Not long.
The members of the Hoquiam Kids First Bond Committee are hopeful that Hoquiam will continue the long tradition of investing in our schools by voting “Yes” on this November’s general election ballot.
Paul McMillan and Todd Gwinn, co-chairs
Hoquiam Kids First Committee
