Royal bond passes

ROYAL CITY - After four failed tries, you'd think Royal Schools Superintendent Rose Search would be jumping out of her shoes with the passage of the school construction bond, announced May 7.

Rose was elated, but her glee was subdued because of the vote. The bond passed with 60.8 percent yes votes. In other words, it squeaked into existence.

"I had mixed emotions because 39.92 % of the voters did not approve this measure," Search said. "My goal is to build trust and be transparent as we move forward with our construction project."

Search noted there were numerous students, staff, parents and community members who were instrumental in gaining passage of the bond. They answered questions and passed out information.

"First, and foremost, this project is for the future of our students," Search said. "As we continue to grow, we will have the capability to provide needed space, to have smaller class sizes and to have adequate testing areas."

"Thank you doesn't convey the depth of what I feel right this moment," she added. "What I can say is, let's get building!"

District business manager David Andra will be right in the middle of the $14 million project. He hopes to continue to involve staff, students, and community members.

Andra noted this project will pour a lot of money into the local economy. He urges general and sub contractors to keep abreast of developments and bid on the work as bids are requested.

"By law, we must take the low responsible bid, but I'm sure there are general contractors in the county who qualify for this project," Andra said. "We'll make sure they are informed."

Andra saide the district will encourage the winning general contractor to sub-contract locally wherever and whenever possible.

"Everybody keeps asking, 'what day do I bring my shovel?'" Andra commented. "The quick answer is that we will be able to start the high school project right away but will need to wait until the state releases matching funds to start the intermediate school."

Release of state matching funds is expected to happen in July 2014. That does not mean the project won't make progress in the meantime.

"A lot will happen behind the scenes in the next few months," Andra said. "We are already working on all of the legal requirements to issue the bonds. This includes financing schedules, receiving our credit rating, and eventually selling the bonds."

There will be an opportunity for members of Royal Slope community to purchase the bonds. The bonds will probably be issued in mid-July.

"We are working with our architect on schedules and more detailed plans," Andra said. "In the next two weeks, we will put together a team of staff, students, and community members to develop the educational specifications for the high school addition."

This will be an opportunity for the architect to get input on classroom layout, lighting, cabinetry, technology, features, etc. He will then be able take those ideas and prepare the plan so the project may be put out to bid.

The high school addition will break ground sometime next school year. It will be ready to occupy for the 2014-15 school year.

"We will also be working to complete all planning for the intermediate school so we are ready to proceed as soon as the state releases the state match," Andra said.

You may go to the Royal School District website to keep updated or progress or contact Andra with questions or concerns.