Proposal creates many concerns, questions

Regarding the upcoming levy vote on Sept 5, I have a few concerns and questions.

1. How can Boundary County build a 96,000-square-foot high school, equip and landscape it for $9.6 million, but it's going to cost us $9 million to build a 45,000-square-foot addition to an existing building?

2. Why does an elementary school need teacher's offices, a reception area and conference rooms? Is the school district planning to move its administrative offices into the school?

3. Why do we need to buy 25 buses at one time? Wouldn't it be better to spread them over several years so they don't all wear out at the same time?

4. The federal government is mandating we upgrade the food services in the district. Has anyone attempted to apply for a federal grant to help defray the costs of these mandated upgrades?

I understand the need to upgrade, improve and maintain the facilities within the school district, but I think some alternative financing, modification of space needs and proper planning would lighten the burden the district is attempting to place on the taxpayers of District 84.

JIM HOPKINS

Sagle