Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get a campaign yard sign?
You may request one by going to the campaign web site -- www.meckbonds2007.com -- and clicking on the "Support/Contact" tab.
How was the amount of the school bond determined?
The $516 million total came from public input, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools staff recommendations and debate by the Board of Education and the Board of County Commissioners. Proposals ranged from $400 million to $1.2 billion during the process. The BOE and BOCC, by identical 7-2 votes, approved the money and the project list.
How were the school projects chosen?
In the past, the school system treated renovations and new construction separately. But this year, Dr. Gorman asked his staff to look at all projects together and rank them based on need and the potential to provide the best outcomes for the most families. Staff used a new formula to rank school building and renovation projects. The Board of Education used the calculation as a starting point to prioritize and select which projects would be part of the bond package.
What percentage of the school bond will go toward new construction and/or at least to expand existing schools? How much will go toward renovation?
The bond package represents a fair and balanced approach to addressing the greatest needs, including new construction, expansion and renovation. Funds from the bonds will be spent in all six districts. Suburban districts are getting a little more than half of the total, but that’s because they are experiencing the fastest growth in the county. New classrooms also are more expensive than renovations. Approximately 70% of the total will go to building and expanding schools in high growth areas where overcrowding is the worst. Districts 1 and 6, where some of the fastest development in the county has occurred, will receive $268 million – more than half of the bond amount. The remaining 30% of the bond package will go toward renovating older schools.
We approved a school bond referendum in 2002 and the county issued $170 million in Certificates of Participation to address immediate construction needs last year. Why does the school system need more money now?
It is important to recognize that the system views its construction and renovations needs in a 10-year window, and that window changes each year as projects are completed and new needs emerge. The 2002 bond and COPs went a long way toward helping us make great progress on some of our most pressing needs – like completing the system’s most severe renovation projects and opening Mallard Creek High School, which reduced enrollment at severely over-crowded North Mecklenburg by 25%. If all $516 million in projects on this year’s bond package could be built in one day, we’d still be $1.2 billion behind in classroom construction and renovations. It is important to remember that the projects are an attempt to catch up on growth and renovation needs we already face. With anticipated growth continuing, you can expect to see more efforts to fund construction in the future.
What has the school system done to make its construction program more affordable and cost efficient?
The fact is, the system builds schools at cost-per-square-foot that is equal to or less than all other school districts in North Carolina. Staff achieves cost savings by using standardized floor plans, which saves on design fees. Projects are competitively bid. On-going construction is altered as needed to take advantage of cost savings on available materials. Land is purchased years ahead to battle the fast rising prices on land in the county. The school system does everything it can to build schools that will hold up over the long term, under the tremendous wear-and-tear of usage by thousands of school kids. It may cost more money to use block walls than drywall, but the cost to maintain over the course of the building’s lifespan will be less – which saves the school system and taxpayers’ money.
How can we be sure that the bond monies will be spent for what they were intended?
At www.cms.k12.nc.us there is a section labeled “Construction”, where you’ll find a history of the system’s capital spending back to 1996. All the projects that were promised are either completed or in progress.
Why build schools when improving academic achievement is such a need?
For learning to take place, you must have a suitable environment for students, teachers and administrators. The building must be safe and secure, with capabilities that accommodate and enhance instruction, allow for appropriate class sizes, provide resources for supporting services such as computer labs, music instruction and physical education. The money that can be used to build schools is a different “account” from that used to address operating costs. We need to do everything we can to address achievement all over the school system. But the bonds are for construction needs, which are great.
Why is the school system so far behind on renovations and new construction?
The system struggles to build schools fast enough in order to keep up with its increasing enrollment. The reality is that our community has under-funded school construction for some time, and now we’re being forced to play catch-up. For 10 consecutive years, the system has spent an average of $300,000 a day for construction, or between $100 million and $140 million annually. We’re making progress, but the overall need is projected to be $2 billion plus over the next decade. That’s why passing the ’07 bonds is so important.
Why vote? Aren’t the schools going to be built anyway?
Without bonds, funding would come from more expensive forms of financing such as COPs. If you don’t vote, you will miss the opportunity to make your opinion known about where and how school construction money is spent. This is too important an issue for our community’s future to sit on the sidelines and watch. No matter where you stand, please vote.
Why are some schools so overcrowded?
In recent years, enrollment has grown by some 5,000 students annually. At one school, 125 new and unexpected students showed up on the first day. People are rushing to move to this county for our strong economy and good schools. To keep up with this growth, we must plan and invest the necessary amount to meet all of the system’s needs.
I voted against the bonds last time. Why should I vote “yes” this time around?
Actually, a lot has changed – to the good. The school board isn’t on the front page of the paper everyday with their fighting. In Dr. Gorman, we have a new and popular superintendent who is making progress on addressing the system’s biggest challenges. Since the last election, two blue-ribbon citizens’ groups studied the school system extensively and made recommendations for improvement. Many of their ideas, such as more decentralized administration, have already been put in place. This year’s budget successfully focused on reducing teacher-student ratios at more schools. If you are passionate about public education and making sure the school system is as good as it can be, these bonds will help make that happen.
How will buying property along Mountain Island Lake protect water quality?
Mountain Island Lake is an important part of the watershed for the entire county. Development around the lake could threaten the water quality there because undeveloped land with trees, shrubs, etc., block sediment from affecting water quality. The land bond will enable the county to buy land that will help preserve and protect the watershed.
I use Little Sugar Creek and McAlpine Greenways all the time, and they seem fine the way they are. Why do we need to expand them?
These greenways are among the most popular amenities in the county, used by thousands of citizens every day. The land bond will enable the purchase of property south of Highway 51 and some other parcels, to expand and improve the system.
Do we really need another library branch?
The Charlotte Mecklenburg Public Library System has won national acclaim for its services, and is heavily used and valued by a wide variety of residents from school children to senior citizens . A new library in the Steele Creek area in southern Mecklenburg County is needed and will serve many residents who otherwise must travel long distances to be able to use the system.
Why can't CPCC raise private funds for new construction and renovation?
Central Piedmont Community College is one of 58 community colleges throughout North Carolina. It is state supported and governed by the North Carolina Community College System. CPCC receives funds from the state, county, institutional funds, and construction bonds. The construction bonds are the only source of revenue community colleges can use to build or renovate facilities. Based on NC law and the original charter of CPCC to Mecklenburg County, the county is responsible for construction and maintenance of facilities. The CPCC Foundation does actively recruit support from the community for other expenses and programs, such as scholarships for students and instructional programs.
Why does the College need to build more buildings?
This bond for CPCC is not for building new facilities. It will address two buildings on the central campus that are up to 40 years old. We will likely be asked to pass bonds in the future for new facilities because CPCC enrollment growth for this year is up nearly 15%.
If the bonds are approved, will my county taxes increase?
The Board of County Commissioners establishes the property tax rate and traditionally the board makes every effort to minimize the impact of bonds on taxpayers. Their final determination will depend on other factors regarding county's overall debt service, such as how much debt the county issues each year. If taxes increase, the projected amount is estimated to be approximately 4.7 cents per $100 of assessed property value. That translates into $71 annually, or a little less than $6 a month, on a house appraised at $150,000. That amount represents a reasonable investment, given the benefits that all three bonds will deliver for the county.
CMS recently reported student enrollment that was 40% below its projected figure for the year. Does this mean we don't need these bonds, or we could get by with less?
The slower rate of growth is surprising, given what we've seen in the past few years. But the numbers are still going up. CMS staff will have to figure out how to factor the new data into their planning. This changes nothing for the campaign and what the voters need to know. The November 6 bonds will help overcome the challenges that exist TODAY in our schools, such as overcrowding and outdated facilities. It is critical for our community to pass these bonds, so that we don't fall any further behind in building the classrooms and facilities that we need.
What can bond monies be used for?
State law mandates that bond monies can only be used for capital projects, or those that involve facility construction and maintenance. A school system may use bonds to build new schools and facilities (such as media centers, auditoriums or stadiums), renovate old schools, or for projects that involve maintaining building systems such as replacing old air conditioning systems, re-paving bus parking lots, removing asbestos, etc. Bond monies may NOT be used for any operating expenses, such as teachers' compensation; operating funds come from an annual allocation from the county.