weatherford isd facts meeting...

Weatherford ISD FACTS Meeting 1

Tuesday, December 9, 2014 Seguin Elementary School

Agenda •  Welcome & Introductions •  Committee Purpose, Objectives & Responsibilities •  Discussion of Election of Officers •  District Overview, Vision & Goals •  Guiding Principles •  The Bond Process & How School Finance Works •  Facility Assessment Overview •  Community Survey Results Overview •  Tour of Seguin Elementary School

Facility Advisory of Citizens, Teachers & Students

•  What is the FACTS Committee? – A group of community members that come

together to study the facility needs of the school district and recommend a package to the Weatherford ISD Board of Trustees to put before voters in a bond election

•  Why are we forming a FACTS Committee? – We want you to have input. FACTS participants

reflect larger community values, needs, and desires – YOU are Weatherford ISD!

Introductions

•  Name, profession or role in the community, children in the district, etc.

Committee Purpose, Objectives & Responsibilities

FACTS Membership •  Each of you were selected to encompass a broad

cross-section of the community, including parents and non-parents, staff members, business owners and community leaders, etc.

•  Some WISD administrators, Board Members and Huckabee members will serve in an advisory (non-voting) role on the committee

•  After tonight’s first meeting, the committee’s efforts will be led by committee-elected co-chairs

Objectives & Responsibilities •  Represent the entire community in the bond

planning process

•  Review and prioritize the facility needs of WISD

•  Bring forward a plan to the WISD Board of Trustees that will include recommendations as to what should be included and how much money should be requested in a possible May 2015 bond election

Discussion of Election of Officers

Election of Officers •  Will elect 2 co-chairpersons and 1 secretary at Meeting 2

•  Co-chairs –  Lead each committee meeting according to the agenda provided by

WISD Administration

–  Make adjustments to meeting agendas when needed

–  Facilitate large group discussion on all information provided

–  Make sure that all ideas and/or positions are heard and given equal time

–  Make sure group stays focused and on track

–  Give formal presentation to Board of Trustees with FACTS Committee’s final recommendations

Election of Officers •  Secretary

–  Keep accurate notes of every meeting without portraying any bias

–  Turn in a copy of the notes to WISD Administration at the end of every meeting for posting on the website

Overview of District, Vision & Goals

Our Mission Statement#

#The mission of Weatherford ISD is to teach, challenge, and inspire each student in a safe, nurturing environment to succeed in the global community. #

Our Vision#

WISD will be the #world-class district of choice.#

Our Values#1.  We value and respect all students,

employees, parents, partners, and our community. #

2.  We demonstrate visionary leadership.#

3.  We engage in and promote personal and organizational learning.#

4.  We make data-driven decisions.#

5.  We practice ethical behavior and personal integrity.#

The District Goals

Focus on Stewardship

Focus on Employees and Organizational Development

Focus on Operational Excellence

Focus on Students, Parents and Communities

Focus on Student Success Mission Goal

Student Demographics About 7,600 students

*Source: 2012-2013 AEIS Report

•  34.5% At-Risk •  8.2% English Language Learners •  45% Economically Disadvantaged

2.3%

22.5%

71.6%

0.7%

1.8%

African American

Hispanic

White

American Indian

Two or More Races

Did you know…? •  WISD is the second oldest entity in Weatherford –

second to the City of Weatherford, which celebrated 150 years in 2006!

•  WISD includes 254 square miles, stretching from Hood County to Wise County.

Granbury

Brock

Springtown Azle

Hudson Oaks

Aledo

Peaster

Stephen F. Austin Elementary School

Year Built 1988

No. of Buildings 1

No. of Portables 2

Approx. Total Square Footage 61,500

Grades Served K through 6th

2013-2014 PEIMS Enrollment 583

Original Building Capacity 645

Building Levels 1

David Crockett Elementary School

Year Built 1963

No. of Buildings 1

No. of Portables 0





Building Levels 1

Raymond E. Curtis Elementary School

Year Built 1987

No. of Buildings 1

No. of Portables 2





Building Levels 2

Bose Ikard Elementary School

Year Built 2002

No. of Buildings 1

No. of Portables 0





Building Levels 2

Mary Martin Elementary School

Year Built 1996

No. of Buildings 1

No. of Portables 2





Building Levels 1

Juan N. Seguin Elementary School

Year Built 2002

No. of Buildings 1

No. of Portables 0





Building Levels 2

Bill W. Wright Elementary School

Year Built 1979

No. of Buildings 1

No. of Portables 2





Building Levels 1

Shirley Hall Middle School

Year Built 1967

No. of Buildings 4

No. of Portables 4


Grades Served 7th through 8th



Building Levels 2

Joe M. Tison Middle School

Year Built 1997

No. of Buildings 3

No. of Portables 0





Building Levels 2

WHS Ninth Grade Center

Year Built 1957

No. of Buildings 7

No. of Portables 2


Grades Served 9th/CTE



Building Levels 3

Weatherford High School

Year Built 2003

No. of Buildings 3

No. of Portables 0





Building Levels 3

Bowie Learning Center

Year Built 1936

No. of Buildings 4

No. of Portables 0


Grades Served n/a

2013-2014 PEIMS Enrollment n/a

Building Levels 1

Travis Family and Education Center

Year Built 1936

No. of Buildings 4

No. of Portables 0


Grades Served n/a

2013-2014 PEIMS Enrollment n/a

Building Levels 1

FACTS Committee Guiding Principles

Guiding Principles

•  Growth •  Safety & Security •  Aging Facilities & Campus Equity •  Technology •  Career & Technical Education (Vocational) •  Grade Alignment

The Bond Process & How School Finance Works

Authority School District defined as Political Subdivision (Governmental Entity)

•  Established under Gov’t Code •  Can levy M&O Tax Rates within state guidelines(TEA) •  Can hold elections to incur Capital Debt

Local Board Policy

•  CBA (Legal), CBB (Legal) – State & Federal Revenue •  CCA (Legal) – Bond Issues

M&O Funding School District Maintenance and Operations (M&O) Funding •  Foundation School Program funds the State-share of

Operations Funding

•  Districts levy M&O tax rate for remainder of Operations Funding

•  Annual District Budget passed by School Board of Trustees

•  WISD M&O Tax Rate for last 4 years = $1.17

•  Pays for Salaries, Utilities, Operations

M&O Funding – 2014 Adopted Budget

Current M&O Spending

Why a Bond Election? •  Today, public schools rely on the support of local taxpayers to

fund the construction and improvement of school facilities.

•  In the same way homeowners borrow money in the form of a mortgage to finance the purchase of a home, a school district borrows money in the form of bonds to finance the design, construction, expansion and renovation of schools.

•  Bonds are approved by voters in a bond election then sold to investors in the competitive market.

Capital Debt Funding School District Capital Needs Funding

•  Districts levy Principal & Interest (I & S) tax rate for Debt

Payment

•  Annual District I & S Rate passed by School Board of Trustees

•  Pays for Debt (Cannot be used for Operations such as salaries,

utilities, etc)

•  Districts can decide pay-off terms (40, 30, 20, 5 year terms, etc)

–  Technology may be financed for short term (5 years)

WISD Tax Rate

•  Maintenance and Operations - $1.17

–  Salaries, utilities, furniture, supplies, gas, etc.

•  Debt Service (I and S) - $0.21 –  Used to pay off existing debt

•  Total current tax rate - $1.38

•  Bond sales affect only the Debt Service tax rate

$0.50 cap

WISD Tax Rate History Fiscal Year General Purposes Capital Purposes Total

2004 $1.4900 $0.2100 $1.7000

2005 $1.5000 $0.2400 $1.7400

2006 $1.5000 $0.2800 $1.7800

2007 $1.3700 $0.3200 $1.6900

2008 $1.0400 $0.3600 $1.4000

2009 $1.0400 $0.3600 $1.4000

2010 $1.0400 $0.3600 $1.4000

2011 $1.1700 $0.2300 $1.4000

2012 $1.1700 $0.2300 $1.4000

2013 $1.1700 $0.2200 $1.3900

2014 $1.1700 $0.2100 $1.3800

The Bond Process

FACTS Committee

✓ Community Survey

✓ District Visioning & Facility Options Development

✓ Architect Interviewed District Leadership & Campus Staff

✓ Demographic Report

✓ District-wide Facility Assessment

✓ Hired an Architect

The Bond Process

Construction

Projects Go to Bid

Design Process Begins

Bond Passes

Voter Education

Board Calls Bond Election

FACTS Committee Makes Recommendation

FACTS Committee Studies District Needs

Facility Assessment Overview

To observe, record and determine the present conditions of the facilities owned and maintained by Weatherford ISD, with attention to existing building finishes and systems, classroom

uses, and other facility information that will allow for comparison to future adopted district facility standards. The

results allows for a determination of the level to which facilities are consistent and provide a reasonable level of

equity across all district facilities for all learners.

Purpose

ASSESMENT FIELD WORK / REPORT

ENGAGE THE COMMUNITY

DEFINE SCOPE

DEFINE PRIORITY LIST &

CREATE ASSOCIATED COSTS

EDUCATION ENVIRONMENT SNAPSHOT Assessment = Present Condition of District Facility Education Environment

Facility Assessment Process

2

1

3

District Snapshot

•  There is approximately 1,500,000 square feet spread across 17 facilities that encompassed the assessment.

•  Current Student Population is apx. 7,700.

•  The average age of WISD facilities is apx. 32 years built between 1936 and 2007.

District Snapshot General Observations: •  Facilities have been well maintained. •  Generally the older buildings are showing their age and their systems are getting

more difficult to maintain including subsurface utilities. •  As would be expected, newer facilities typically had fewer problem areas that were

evident during this assessment.

Texas Accessibility Standards and Building Code: •  Generally the interior elements of the facilities comply, many of the items noted in the

assessment identify railing and accessible route deficiencies. Site corrections around facilities are needed to properly comply with TAS / ADA.

•  Future renovations / additions may require many fire code upgrades to meet current code – fire sprinkler rated walls etc.

District wide Standards •  Once new district wide facility technical standards are adopted by the district, more

consistent equitable educational environments can be provided across the district.

Order of Magnitude by Discipline All Elementary Schools All Middle Schools

WHS Ninth Grade Center High School

Discipline Key

Order of Magnitude by Discipline

•  District Services Bldg. •  Maintenance Facility •  Bowie Learning Center •  Travis Family Center •  Tech / Athletics •  Stadium – Fieldhouse •  Kangaroo Stadium •  Transportation

All Other District Facilities

Discipline Key

Design Professionals on the Team

Civil Engineers

Architects, Safety / Security Specialists, &

Structural Engineers

Mechanical & Electrical (M/E/P) Engineers

Food Service Specialists

Romine, Romine & Burgess, Inc.

Community Survey Results Overview

WEATHERFORD ISD SURVEY

November 6 - 9, 2014

N = 400 respondents

margin of error: + 4.9%

OBJECTIVES

To determine preference for various options for schools. 2

To measure the correlation of informative statements on support / opposition to a bond proposal.

3

To assess support and opposition to a $100 million bond proposal, as well as various amounts of bond proposals with the associated tax impacts.

1

Baselice & Associates, Inc. Project# 14110

QUESTIONNAIRE FORMAT

1 Introduction and Screeners

2 General & Specific Issues

3 Initial Ballot (Q2)

6 Demographics

5 Informed Ballot (Q28)

4 Bond Options & Bond Elements

Multiple regression is used to measure correlation of specific information between initial and informed ballots


Central n=153 38%

South / East n=164 41%


North / West n=83 21%

DISTRIBUTION OF INTERVIEWS

18-44 yrs 45-54 yrs 55-64 yrs 65+ yrs

May

May 2011 10% 13% 22% 54% May 2012 11% 11% 22% 58% May 2013 24% 18% 21% 36% May 2014 14% 11% 17% 57%

Nov

embe

r

Nov 2011 10% 13% 21% 56% Nov 2013 8% 13% 26% 54% Nov 2010 17% 19% 25% 40% Nov 2012 27% 19% 23% 31%

Registration 38% 18% 19% 25% Survey 19% 19% 20% 41%

COMPARISON of SAMPLE FILE to RESPONDENTS


INITIAL BALLOT Q2. Although the projects for the possible bond proposal have not yet been set, if an election on school bonds in the Weatherford Independent School District was held today, would you vote yes, in favor or no, against the issuance of $100 million in bonds for the construction and renovation of school buildings, and to make other improvements, with the levying of a property tax.

15%

20%

35%

Strongly

Somewhat

Yes, in favor

15%

32%

47%

Strongly

Somewhat

No, against

18%

Depends / Unsure


BaseYes, in favor /

Strongly

No, against / Strongly

TOTAL YES, IN FAVOR

TOTAL NO, AGAINST

DEPENDS / UNSURE

SCPARENT - Parent of Weatherford I.S.D. Student

Parent 150 26% 15% 48% 30% 22%Non-Parent 250 16% 42% 27% 57% 16%

(extrapolated %) (43%)

(57%)

(38%) (62%)

Question 3: Why you (would vote against / are hesitant to vote for) the bond? Taxes Too much

Not needed

Wasteful / Too

Spending Other ISD criticism

Need more Info

Total 81 19 40 64 7 74

Percentage of Total Sample 20% 5% 10% 16% 2% 18%Percentage of No & Unsure

voters 31% 7% 16% 25% 3% 29%

Wasteful / Too Much Spending

WHY NOT IN FAVOR


-42%

Q6. Would you vote yes, in favor or no, against the issuance of $100 million in school bonds which would increase property taxes by approximately $11.40 per month for every $100,000 of taxable property value.

24% 66% 11%


-23% 33% 56% 11%


-2% 43% 45% 11%

VARIOUS BOND AMOUNTS Net

Favor Yes, in favor

No, against

Depends / Unsure


READ TOP-TO-BOTTOM / BOTTOM-TO-TOP

-16% After higher

-28% After lower

-36% Read first

-48% Read last

+2% Read last

-6% Read first

[24% Strongly] [32% Strongly]



Q8. Currently ninth grade students enrolled in extracurricular activities are transported to the high school campus, with some students commuting between campuses two or three times a day. Moving the ninth grade into the high school would give these students more class time and save the district in transportation costs. Knowing this, do you favor or oppose moving the ninth grade students into the high school?

+36%

ALWAYS READ AFTER PREVIOUS

66% 30% 4%

Q7. Currently ninth grade students are housed in a ninth grade center while grades ten through twelve are in a separate high school campus. Do you favor or oppose construction of an additional wing at the High School campus to allow ninth grade students to be moved from the ninth grade center into the high school and repurpose the Ninth Grade Center for other student use?

+3% 49% 46% 5%

Net Favor Favor Oppose No Diff /

Unsure


FAVOR / OPPOSE STATEMENTS – BLOCKED SERIES A

Par Non

82% 56%

18% 37%

+64% +19%

Par Non

63% 40%

33% 53%

+31% -13%

58% 33% 9%

Q9. Renovating Hall Middle School for continued student use which would cost two-thirds of what it would cost to build a brand new school?

+25%

ROTATE Q9 & Q10

30% 56% 14%

Q10. Relocating Hall Middle School students into (Ver X: another, re-purposed campus / Ver Y: a newly built school) and no longer using Hall as a campus for students?

-25% -22% -29%

X: Y:


Unsure


Hall Middle School was originally built in 1967 and has exceeded its life cycle and is no longer educationally adequate. Tell me if you favor or oppose the following...

FAVOR / OPPOSE STATEMENTS – BLOCKED SERIES B

58% 36% 6% Q11. Do you favor or oppose expansions to the

middle schools to allow for a grade re-alignment to move the sixth grade to the middle school level, which would free up space at the elementary schools?

+23%

RANDOMIZE Q11, Q13, Q14

58% 36% 6%

Q12. Today, sixth graders who participate in band and advanced academic courses are transported to the middle school for these activities. A sixth grade re-alignment would improve efficiencies, plus it would align better with the sixth grade curriculum. Knowing this, do you favor or oppose expansions at middle schools to allow for a grade re-alignment to move the sixth grade to the middle school level?

+22%


35% 56% 9%

Q14. Do you favor or oppose keeping the elementary schools as grades K through six and constructing a new elementary school that could result in closing older, smaller elementary schools and re-zoning elementary boundaries?

-21%


Unsure


59% 36% 5% +23% Q13. Do you favor or oppose keeping the

elementary schools as grades K through six and making expansions at elementary schools to accommodate growth?




FAVOR / OPPOSE STATEMENTS – BLOCKED SERIES C Currently elementary schools serve grades K through six and middle schools serve grades seven and eight. All of the district’s elementary schools are full or almost full. Tell me if you favor or oppose each of the following as a solution to accommodate growth... to start....


58% 36% 6% Q11. Do you favor or oppose expansions to the

middle schools to allow for a grade re-alignment to move the sixth grade to the middle school level, which would free up space at the elementary schools?

+23%

RANDOMIZE Q11, Q13, Q14

58% 36% 6%

Q12. Today, sixth graders who participate in band and advanced academic courses are transported to the middle school for these activities. A sixth grade re-alignment would improve efficiencies, plus it would align better with the sixth grade curriculum. Knowing this, do you favor or oppose expansions at middle schools to allow for a grade re-alignment to move the sixth grade to the middle school level?

+22%


35% 56% 9%

Q14. Do you favor or oppose keeping the elementary schools as grades K through six and constructing a new elementary school that could result in closing older, smaller elementary schools and re-zoning elementary boundaries?

-21%


Unsure


59% 36% 5% +23% Q13. Do you favor or oppose keeping the

elementary schools as grades K through six and making expansions at elementary schools to accommodate growth?

FAVOR / OPPOSE STATEMENTS – BLOCKED SERIES C Currently elementary schools serve grades K through six and middle schools serve grades seven and eight. All of the district’s elementary schools are full or almost full. Tell me if you favor or oppose each of the following as a solution to accommodate growth... to start....

Non 52% 40% +12%

Par 67% 29% +38%

Non 58% 36% +22%

Par 60% 35% +24%

Non 32% 57% -25%

Par 40% 53% -13%

Non 54% 40% +14%

Par 64% 28% +38%

49% 42% 9%

Q16. The district’s baseball and softball fields need improvements to meet federal regulations. In addition, both fields are not located near the high school, causing increased costs in transportation. Do you favor or oppose (Ver X: renovations to baseball and softball fields where they are currently located / Ver Y: rebuilding and relocating the baseball and softball fields to be closer to the high school)?

+7% +6% +8%

X: Y:

42% 50% 8% Q15. Do you favor or oppose completion of

Kangaroo stadium to update bleachers and concessions on the visitor’s side?

-8% ROTATE Q15 & Q16


Unsure




FAVOR / OPPOSE STATEMENTS – BLOCKED SERIES D

Favor OpposeNo diff / Unsure

Net Favor

Q17

This bond will allow for new and improved spaces for (Ver X: Career and Technical / Ver Y: Vocational) Programs that provide hands-on learning that give students a headstart on preparing for college and careers. 78% 19% 2% +59%

Q18

This bond will allow for improvements to technology within the district in order to provide better instructional tools that expand 21st Century learning opportunities for students. 75% 21% 4% +54%

Q19

This bond includes improvements to all the school buildings in the district including security improvements such as controlled vestibules, keyless entry, and surveillance cameras. 77% 20% 2% +57%

Q20This bond would allow for improvements that will make schools more energy efficient and save on utility costs in the long run. 78% 18% 5% +60%

Q21

Many of the districts campuses are over 20 years old and this bond would allow for needed maintenance and repairs such as improvements to heating and air conditioning systems, lighting, plumbing, and electrical systems. 83% 16% 2% +67%

Q22This bond would result in improvements to traffic flow issues at some campuses. 68% 25% 7% +43%

Q23

Existing state law freezes the tax rate of homeowners sixty-five years of age or older. Senior citizens who file their exemption will not have to pay any additional property taxes associated with this bond proposal. 88% 8% 4% +80%

Q24

An advisory committee of citizens, teachers, parents, and students will work to evaluate the school district’s needs and this bond proposal will include recommendations from this citizen’s group. 80% 13% 7% +68%

Q25

This bond package will save taxpayers money because it is less expensive to expand and renovate existing facilities now than to wait and do it five or ten years from now. 72% 21% 7% +51%

Q26 Some opponents say this bond package is not needed. 40% 46% 14% -5%Q27

Some opponents say this bond package will continue to maintain a level of debt that we will be paying for years to come. 51% 35% 14% +16%

BOND ELEMENTS

+56% +62%

X: Y:


INFORMED BALLOT Q28. Having heard more about possible projects, would you vote yes, in favor or no, against the issuance of $100 million in bonds, to be financed by property taxes, if it included the projects you cared most about.

7%

Depends / Unsure


14%

30%

44%

No, against

Strongly

Somewhat 23%

26%

49%

Yes, in favor

Strongly

Somewhat

35% 19%

7%

10%

COMPARISON OF INITIAL & INFORMED BALLOTS

Switched No, against

Depends / Unsure

30% Solidifiers & Switchers

Stayed Yes, in favor

Stayed No, against

Switched Yes, in favor

49% 7% 44% Informed ballot (Q28) Yes, in favor No, against Unsure


35% 18% 47% Initial ballot (Q2) Yes, in favor No, against Unsure

Base Yes, in favor / Strongly


TOTAL YES, IN FAVOR

TOTAL NO, AGAINST

DEPENDS / UNSURE

Total 400 26% 30% 49% 44% 7%SCPARENT - Parent of

Weatherford I.S.D. StudentParent 150 37% 17% 68% 28% 4%

Non-Parent 250 18% 38% 38% 54% 8%

Base Yes, in favor / Strongly


TOTAL YES, IN FAVOR

TOTAL NO, AGAINST

DEPENDS / UNSURE

Total 400 20% 32% 35% 47% 18%SCPARENT - Parent of

Weatherford I.S.D. StudentParent 150 26% 15% 48% 30% 22%

Non-Parent 250 16% 42% 27% 57% 16%

COMPARISON OF INITIAL & INFORMED BALLOTS


REGRESSION (CORRELATION) ANALYSIS


Q18. This bond will allow for improvements to technology within the district in order to provide better instructional tools that expand 21st Century learning opportunities for students.

+54%

Net Favor

Somewhat Oppose

No Diff / Unsure

Strongly Favor

Strongly Oppose

Somewhat Favor

43% 31% 4% 8% 13%

Solidifiers and Switchers Switched No, against

Depends / Unsure


Stayed No, against


30% 19% 7% 10% 35%

Somewhat Oppose

No Diff / Unsure

Strongly Favor

Strongly Oppose

Somewhat Favor Q25. This bond package will save

taxpayers money because it is less expensive to expand and renovate existing facilities now than to wait and do it five or ten years from now.

+51% 42% 30% 7% 8% 13%

Solidifiers and Switchers Switched No, against

Depends / Unsure


Stayed No, against


30% 19% 7% 10% 35%

Solidifier Factor 0.1160

Average Score

3.7 = Switcher

Factor 0.0210 + ÷ 2

Net Favor +54%

X

The highest score out of 21 statements

7th highest score out of 21 statements

Solidifier Factor 0.2858

Average Score 12.5 =

Switcher Factor 0.2051 + ÷ 2

Net Favor +51%

X


Q18. This bond will allow for improvements to technology within the district in order to provide better instructional tools that expand 21st Century learning opportunities for students.

+54%

Net Favor

Somewhat Oppose

No Diff / Unsure

Strongly Favor

Strongly Oppose

Somewhat Favor

43% 31% 4% 8% 13%

Somewhat Oppose

No Diff / Unsure

Strongly Favor

Strongly Oppose

Somewhat Favor Q25. This bond package will save

taxpayers money because it is less expensive to expand and renovate existing facilities now than to wait and do it five or ten years from now.

+51% 42% 30% 7% 8% 13%

CALCULATING CORRELATION SCORES

Total Sample (N=400)

Parent (n=150)

Non-Parent (n=250)

Males <55 (n=70)

Males 55+ (n=120)

Females <55

(n=81)

Females 55+

(n=126)

Persuasion Persuasion Persuasion Persuasion Persuasion Persuasion Persuasion

Score Score Score Score Score Score Score

Q7

Currently ninth grade students are housed in a ninth grade center while grades ten through twelve are in a separate high school campus. Do you favor or oppose construction of an additional wing at the High School campus to allow ninth grade students to be moved from the ninth grade center into the high school and repurpose the Ninth Grade Center for other student use? 0.4 1.0 -2.2 1.0 -3.0 3.1 0.1

Q8

Currently ninth grade students enrolled in extracurricular activities are transported to the high school campus, with some students commuting between campuses two or three times a day. Moving the ninth grade into the high school would give these students more class time and save the district in transportation costs. Knowing this, do you favor or oppose moving the ninth grade students into the high school? 1.1 4.7 0.7 2.1 0.8 17.2 1.8

Q9Renovating Hall Middle School for continued student use which would cost two-thirds of what it would cost to build a brand new school? 0.5 1.0 0.8 1.8 1.1 1.1 0.7

Q10Relocating Hall Middle School students into (Ver X: another, re-purposed campus / Ver Y: a newly built school) and no longer using Hall as a campus for students? -1.4 -0.4 -1.9 -0.9 -3.3 -0.8 -1.8

Q11Do you favor or oppose expansions to the middle schools to allow for a grade re-alignment to move the sixth grade to the middle school level, which would free up space at the elementary schools? 2.8 8.0 0.6 3.0 1.6 6.8 0.4

Q12

Today, sixth graders who participate in band and advanced academic courses are transported to the middle school for these activities. A sixth grade re-alignment would improve efficiencies, plus it would align better with the sixth grade curriculum. Knowing this, do you favor or oppose expansions at middle schools to allow for a grade re-alignment to move the sixth grade to the middle school level? 0.6 3.8 0.4 2.2 0.5 4.7 0.2

Q13Do you favor or oppose keeping the elementary schools as grades K through six and making expansions at elementary schools to accommodate growth? 1.1 1.6 0.7 -0.2 1.8 1.0 1.9

Q14Do you favor or oppose keeping the elementary schools as grades K through six and constructing a new elementary school that could result in closing older, smaller elementary schools and re-zoning elementary boundaries? -2.3 -0.9 -4.0 -2.3 -2.3 -2.8 -1.1

Q15 Do you favor or oppose completion of Kangaroo stadium to update bleachers and concessions on the visitor’s side? -0.8 0.4 -0.3 -0.3 -1.0 1.6 -0.1

Q16

The district’s baseball and softball fields need improvements to meet federal regulations. In addition, both fields are not located near the high school, causing increased costs in transportation.Do you favor or oppose (Ver X: renovations to baseball and softball fields where they are currently located / Ver Y: rebuilding and relocating the baseball and softball fields to be closer to the high school)? 0.4 0.8 -0.2 0.9 0.5 2.5 -0.1

Q17This bond will allow for new and improved spaces for (Ver X: Career and Technical / Ver Y: Vocational) Programs that provide hands-on learning that give students a headstart on preparing for college and careers. 5.9 8.4 3.9 5.4 6.1 10.3 1.7

Q18This bond will allow for improvements to technology within the district in order to provide better instructional tools that expand 21st Century learning opportunities for students. 3.7 11.1 4.1 6.8 3.3 8.8 5.3

Q19This bond includes improvements to all the school buildings in the district including security improvements such as controlled vestibules, keyless entry, and surveillance cameras. 2.6 2.3 3.0 1.4 5.0 4.2 13.1

Q20 This bond would allow for improvements that will make schools more energy efficient and save on utility costs in the long run. 4.3 13.0 1.7 4.6 5.3 19.1 5.9Q21

Many of the districts campuses are over 20 years old and this bond would allow for needed maintenance and repairs such as improvements to heating and air conditioning systems, lighting, plumbing, and electrical systems. 4.2 4.0 3.3 14.6 6.4 13.9 3.4

Q22 This bond would result in improvements to traffic flow issues at some campuses. 11.2 2.3 10.8 2.1 2.4 5.4 17.8Q23

Existing state law freezes the tax rate of homeowners sixty-five years of age or older. Senior citizens who file their exemption will not have to pay any additional property taxes associated with this bond proposal. 7.9 7.8 8.0 6.1 9.4 9.4 5.0

Q24An advisory committee of citizens, teachers, parents, and students will work to evaluate the school district’s needs and this bond proposal will include recommendations from this citizen’s group. 2.5 7.4 1.9 2.5 3.9 5.8 2.7

Q25This bond package will save taxpayers money because it is less expensive to expand and renovate existing facilities now than to wait and do it five or ten years from now. 12.5 8.9 8.3 2.6 3.3 6.8 16.3

Q26 Some opponents say this bond package is not needed. 0.4 2.7 -0.4 1.0 0.0 0.5 -0.1Q27 Some opponents say this bond package will continue to maintain a level of debt that we will be paying for years to come. 1.1 1.1 0.3 -1.7 0.8 -0.8 0.7

The top three scores are highlighted in light blue. Correlation Scores are relative measures that should be compared within a subgroup, not compared between different subgroups.


Summary of Correlation Scores

Q29. Of the following options, would you...

SCHOOL BUILDINGS VS ATHLETIC FIELDS

40% vote only in favor of bonds

that improve school buildings

8% Other / Unsure

1% vote only in favor of bonds that improve athletic fields

37% vote in favor of bonds that

improve both school buildings and athletic fields


13% vote against bonds that

improve both school buildings and athletic fields

Informed YES

Voters

58%

2%

1%

1%

39%

Informed NO

Voters

16%

27%

1%

13%

43%

CONCLUSIONS

Open-ended responses show that leading reasons for opposing the bond are concerns about taxes, the feeling that the bond is not needed, and criticisms of spending. However some of those who are not initially supportive say they just need more information.

The most important elements to communicate are found on the summary of correlation scores page. 4

2


If an election on school bonds were held today, 35% would vote for and 47% would vote against while 18% are unsure. This indicates a steep hill to climb.

1

After hearing more information about the possible bond, 49% would vote in favor and 44% would vote against. However, intensity of the informed ballot favors the no side, and a majority of non-parents are still opposed. This indicates that passage is possible with more information and high parent turnout, but it is not a given.

3

FACTS Website: www.WeatherfordISDFACTS.com

Next Meeting January 6, 2015

Crockett Elementary School Dinner 5:30 pm

Meeting begins at 6:00 pm

Facility Tours Mon., December 15

9 am – 12 pm Tues., December 16

5:30 – 8:30 pm OR

Meet at WISD District Services Building

Tour Seguin Elementary School

weatherford isd facts meeting...

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