South Ridge PTA January 16, 2020

Why is a thriving school system important to Ridgefield?

However, the rapid population growth of

the community has added 1,400

students since 2014 and is projected to

add another 1,760 students by 2024. To

put this into perspective, this equates to

an additional 55% student enrollment

increase between now and 2024.

This is the equivalent to adding the total

enrollment of Hockinson School District!

Our Challenge

Where We Learn Matters School Facilities Have a Direct Impact On:

Student and StaffSafety and Health

AcademicAchievement

Environmental Impact

PropertyValues

• Focused on maximizing capacity

• Replaced View Ridge Middle School

• New Sunset Ridge Intermediate School

• Ridgefield High School Addition

• Repurpose of old VRMS into RACC

Reflecting on Our Success

• Effective planning and management delivered on-time & on-budget

• Exceeded expectations

• Student Health & Wellness Center

• Multi-Purpose Room

• Additional Tennis Courts

• Early Learning Center

• Expedited delivery through early design and planning work

Reflecting on Our Success

Comparing Elementary School Enrollment

Overview of Strategies:

• Portables – Housing students in temporary structures

• Programs – Selecting programs for reduction or elimination in

order to accommodate enrollment demands.

• Schedule – Looking at alternative school day schedules to maximize use of facilities

Alternative Options

There is not enough physical space on school property to accommodate this number of portable classrooms.

The Issues

$345,201

$50,000

$41,152

$30,000

$466,353

The Real Cost of PortablesConstruction (including delivery and foundation)

Infrastructure (water, electric, and sewer lines)

Technology (network switches, wireless access point, voice amp, etc.)

Furnishings

GRAND TOTAL*

*2019 Costs – Add annual inflation of 5%-8% to above numbers

Identify spaces dedicated to programs that could be

repurposed to accommodate enrollment demands

• Black Box Theater

• Performing Arts Center

• Commons

• Libraries

• Multi-Purpose Room

Program Alternatives

What are various alternative schedules that could

accommodate student enrollment?

• Double shift schools – morning and afternoon/evening shifts

• Explore space with adjacent Districts – Adjacent Districts are also working

to address their own enrollment demands, excess space does not exist.

• Adjust attendance boundaries – The issue is that RSD has enrollment

issues across all schools and all grade levels.

Schedule & Boundary Alternatives

RIDGEFIELD HIGH

SOUTH RIDGE ELEMENTARY

UNION RIDGE ELEMENTARY

SUNSET INTERMEDIATE

VIEW RIDGE MIDDLE

NEW ELEMENTARY FUTURE ELEMENTARY

NEW IMPROVEMENTS AND

EXPANSION

FUTURE MIDDLE

NEW INTERMEDIATE

FUTURE SMALL NICHE HIGH SCHOOL

• Cost $130,000,000

• Revenue $130,000,000

• Local $107,000,000

• State Assistance $17,300,000

• Impact Fees $5,700,000

• Tax rate $0.97/$1000 of assessed value

• New Elementary School is designed and ready to start construction

2020 Bond Program

Property 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

City $11.79 $11.27 $10.64 $10.18 $9.76 $11.53 $9.95

County $12.71 $12.04 $11.32 $10.81 $10.34 $12.10 $10.47

The Truth On Property Taxes

Tax Rate Comparison for two homes in the Ridgefield School District (2013-2019)

The Truth On Property TaxesK-12 Clark County School District 2020 Tax Rates (estimated)

School District Tax Rate / $1000 Assessed Valuation

Camas $5.56

La Center $4.41

Washougal $4.10

Evergreen $3.79

Hockinson $3.40

RIDGEFIELD $3.35

Vancouver $3.34

Battle Ground $3.08

SERVING CHILDREN, SCHOOLS AND

THEIR COMMUNITIES

Serving

CAPITAL FACILITIES FUNDINGNOVEMBER 12, 2019

I Bond Market Update

▪ Bond interest rates have fallen to the lowest point in the past 30 years

▪ This is a very good time to provide taxpayer savings through lower borrowing costs

▪ Interest rates volatility warrants prudent planning

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Facilities Funding Goals

▪ Provide funds to meet capital projects’ needs while meeting taxpayer expectations

▪ Promote future tax rate stability

▪ Provide low-cost funding for capital projects while minimizing the cost to taxpayers

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Projected Tax RatesKey Inputs

▪ Bond election date:

▪ Spring 2020

▪ Bond Authorization:▪ $107,000,000▪ 21 year maximum term

▪ Operating levy ▪ $1.50/$1,000

▪ Assessed value growth: ▪ 2020 11.53% (Preliminary)▪ 2021: 6.00%▪ 2022: 5.00%▪ 2023 and later: 4.00%

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▪ Bonds are sold in multiple series to meet construction cash flow and minimize interest costs

▪ Interest rates

▪ 2020 Issue: Current rates +.75%

▪ 2021 Issue: Current rates +1.25%

▪ Bond payments are structured to provide a level projected total tax rate

Projected Tax Rates

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Projected Tax Rates

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Key Decision Points and Next Steps

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✔ Finalize project list and scope

✔ Refine project costs

✔ Evaluate construction cash flow

✔ Determine best funding source(s)

✔ For bonds, determine bond sale dates and amounts

✔ Refine project funding options and taxpayer costs

✔ Determine which election date to target

✔ Work with Bond Counsel to draft Election Resolution

▪ Community outreach

▪ File the Election Resolutions with the County by December 13, 2019 for a February 11, 2020 election

Contact Information: