Editorial

Vote "Yes" on school bond

Voters should vote "YES" on the $20.5 million bond to build a new high school in Sisters, and convert the existing one into a middle school.

The board took its responsibilities to taxpayers to heart, and trimmed down the bond request rejected by voters in November. The final package is much more conservative than what many educators believe they need.

The board has also resolved to sell the current middle school site on Highway 20 if the bond passes, using most of the proceeds to pay down the bond.

Opponents of the bond have some good arguments. The current high school was supposed to be "expandable." It's not. The core facilities -- kitchen, gym, cafeteria -- are crowded now and won't accommodate growth in the high school population.

We are justified in being angry about that, but it doesn't change current circumstances: Simply remodeling that school and building a new middle school would cost about $600,000 more in the long run than the district's plan.

Portable modular classrooms are a lousy solution. They're expensive for what you get; they're inefficient and once they're here, they're here for good.

The nearly $300 per year price tag for the "average" owner of a $200,000 home is significant. However, we believe it is a sound investment. We have confidence in the ability of this school board to oversee the project and get the best value for our tax dollars.

JC

Support the sheriff's levy

Voters clearly want the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office to patrol our streets, catch criminals, provide search and rescue, and run the jail.

The question is whether enough voters will send in ballots to make a "Yes" vote valid. A minimum of 50 percent return is required for a valid election.

The levy is especially important for our community. Although the City of Sisters has a contract with the sheriff's office -- which Sheriff Les Stiles vows to maintain -- the 120 hours of patrol per week the contract provides serve only the city limits.

The deputies who work here would in all likelihood be laid off. Outlying areas would likely be left bare of coverage.

With the usual influx of tourists coming into Central Oregon this summer, the region can't afford to have its police services trimmed to the bare bones.

Voters need to take their responsibilities seriously and send in their ballots so that the sheriff's levy will pass.