Management Support Policy 6910: School Facilities

Construction Financing

The board shall attempt to add moneys to the capital projects fund regularly in such amounts as are available and appropriate to the district's needs as projected by the facilities master plan. Moneys in that fund which are not immediately needed shall be invested in those securities permitted by law which shall provide maximum return to the fund. In addition to those moneys, the board shall seek authority from district electors to issue bonds or levy a special capital improvements property tax assessment for school construction when specific projects are anticipated. The board shall also seek matching funds from the state board of education to the maximum extent available as well as any federal funds that may be available.

State School Construction Funds

Immediately after the board has approved the initiation of a construction project, the superintendent shall notify the state board of education of the board's intent. All studies, notices and other requirements established by the state board of education as conditions for eligibility for state construction grants shall be completed by the superintendent.

The advice of the state superintendent of public instruction shall be solicited in order to assure the district's eligibility for state financial assistance.

Non-Voter Approved Debt

If the board decides it is prudent, it may authorize the issuance of non-voter approved debt within statutory limits to purchase facility sites; improve energy efficiency of buildings; or acquire, remodel or repair school facilities. Statute limits non-voter approved school district debt to three-eighths of one percent of the value of the taxable land within the district.

Bonds

If the board determines that there are insufficient moneys in the building fund for a construction project, the board chooses not to authorize an election for a capital levy, and the district's limit on bonded indebtedness has not been reached, the board shall authorize an election to seek the approval of voters to issue bonds in the amount needed for the project.

The legal requirements for bond elections and subsequent issuance and redemption of bonds shall be met. The resolution adopted by the board calling for the bond election shall specify the purposes of the bond including the specific buildings to be constructed or remodeled and any other purposes authorized in RCW 28A.530.010. The board resolution shall also describe the specific purposes the board anticipates for using any state financing assistance, if any. If circumstances alter the purposes for which the board believes it is in the best interest of the district to use the state funds or those raised through the bond, the board shall conduct a public hearing to consider the circumstances and to receive public testimony. At a meeting subsequent to the public hearing the board may either amend its original resolution or adopt a new one describing the specific purposes to which the state and/or bond funds will be put.

Upon the sale of bonds duly authorized as prescribed by law, the proceeds shall be credited by the county treasurer to the appropriate fund of the district.

Notice of intent to apply for state school construction funds shall be submitted to the state board of education prior to submitting a bond proposal to district voters.

ADOPTED: January 25, 1999
REVISED: November 24, 2003

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