Price Is Same With Or Without School Bond – But Outcomes Differ
With or without the May 7 Bond, the estimated yearly obligation in the Chariho operating budget would be approximately $2.3 Million for all three towns. Charlestown’s share would be approximately $553,254 per year.
The big difference is that by passing the bond, Chariho will receive $112 Million from the state.
The May 7 school bond is the most fiscally responsible and educationally sound plan for the district. It provides:
- 3 New Elementary Schools
- Main Campus Upgrades focused on Safety and security
- Elementary schools will cost less to operate due to energy efficiency
- Students will have access to 21st-century learning facilities
If the May 7 school bond fails, a second and different bond will be attempted in November to address basic needs for HVAC, Plumbing & Electrical. This option does not involve any new construction or major renovations to our aging elementary schools. Because of less state funding for this option, the cost would still be approximately $2.3 Million for all three towns.
If the November school bond fails the district will only be able to prioritize emergency needs, but is still obligated to spend approximately $2.3 Million each year for the operating budget.
If the voters turn down the May 7 bond, Chariho will eventually need to replace or do major renovations at the Elementary Schools. The cost of those construction projects will not have access to this one-time offer from the state.
The state money comes from a 2018 state bond question to allocate $250 million for school construction. Charlestown voters approved that state bond question with 71% in favor. If Chariho voters defeat the May 7 referendum, this state aid, that Charlestown voters supported, will be directed to other districts.
Why not wait to renovate the schools at some future date?
- The cost to renovate the elementary schools will likely meet or exceed the cost of a new building project
- Incentives being offered by the Rhode Island Department of Education sunset in June
- Industry experts agree that construction costs will never revert to their pre-pandemic levels. The current pricing we are seeing is here to stay, and will in fact continue to increase in the years to come
There are more questions and answers in the Chariho FAQ.
Early Voting at Town Hall
Early in-person voting is taking place now at Town Hall, anytime between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, from April 17 to May 6.
Tuesday, May 7 is the all day Referendum
Voting will take place at Charlestown Town Hall, anytime between 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
May 1, 2024 @ 3:12 pm
Unfortunately this information may be too late to consider, but the Chariho School District held a panel discussion yesterday so that questions could be answered.
April 30, 2024 @ 7:32 am
I would love to see money go towards supporting children with learning disabilities rather than a new building. It is very very difficult to get an IEP for a neurodivergent child, because “it’s too expensive for the school.” All kids all the time…then give ALL children the same educational opportunities. Let’s focus on the actual children rather than the building. The school is not in complete disrepair. Also, consider the impact moving to a “swing space” while new construction is happening. I haven’t heard where Charlestown kids will be attending during that time. As a parent with children in the school, I feel we should be more informed.
April 30, 2024 @ 7:57 am
As noted in the article above, “The state money comes from a 2018 state bond question to allocate $250 million for school construction. Charlestown voters approved that state bond question with 71% in favor. If Chariho voters defeat the May 7 referendum, this state aid, that Charlestown voters supported, will be directed to other districts.” Since this is money from a specific state bond question, it can only be used to replace public schools. There is an FAQ at the Chariho website and a place to ask any question that is not in the FAQ.
April 30, 2024 @ 10:01 am
I have previously asked questions in the places you directed me to, and have not been given answers. It is a big concern of where the kids will be going to school during construction. I know it will create a lot of anxiety for my children to move to a “swing space” during construction. Will they be separated from their peers that they have spent years with? Will they have the same teachers that they have formed bonds with? There has not been a clear answer relating to kids in Charlestown. The fact is that there will negative emotional impacts on most children. Not everyone lives close to Richmond or hope valley, it will be a difficult and long commute for some families. It’s frustrating when people are just looking at the numbers here and not thinking of all the kids already enrolled in school. They will all be moved onto the middle school by the time construction is done, but will have to deal with the fallout of such a major change as switching schools. We moved to Charlestown specifically for the school. Not happy that my children could potentially not be attending.
April 29, 2024 @ 10:08 am
I do wish people would stop putting “THE PRICE IS THE SAME” that is an outright lie and those who state that should,actualy DO know better. Nothing is free and the cost will surely increase as it always does. VOTE NO!1111
April 29, 2024 @ 1:43 pm
The state money comes from a 2018 state bond question that allocated $250 million for school construction. That was approved statewide with about 70% in favor. If Chariho voters defeat the May 7 referendum, the money will be directed to other districts. We don’t save on our state taxes by turning it down because the money has already been committed for this purpose.