ANCHORAGE — The Anchorage School Board has approved a $58.5 million bond package that would cover the costs of several construction projects, including work at two schools hit by an earthquake.
The board voted 5-2 in favor of the bond package Monday, KTUU-TV reported.
The money will fund roof replacements at eight schools, heating and ventilation upgrades at three schools and seismic upgrades at the schools struck by the January quake. Proposals to improve fire suppression systems at two high schools and to bring seven schools into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act were removed at the Monday meeting, cutting the package total by $9 million.
The projects are minimal and necessary, Anchorage School District Superintendent Deena Paramo said.
“The discussion is really about keeping it bare bones to the minimum, something that would just keep us moving along,” Paramo said.
With the current package, the cost to homeowners would be about $13 per $100,000 of assessed home value, a $1.25 increase. However, the Anchorage Assembly must approve the package before it gets on a ballot.
Board members expressed concerns that voters or the assembly may see the additional debt as too much of a financial burden amid the state’s fiscal climate.
“I would challenge us to put ourselves in the shoes of people who are going to come out and vote,” said Kameron Perez-Verdia, who introduced unsuccessful amendments to further reduce the bond package. “It better be pretty darn compelling.”
Board member Starr Marsett argued that “it’s not a matter of whether it can pass. It has to pass.”
