Schools issue bonds, start work

The Bremerton School District board approved the sale of $30.5 million in bonds July 14 and has commenced work on some bond-related projects following a “yes” vote from local voters in May.

“We are very pleased to have achieved our goal of not increasing the tax rate for our community’s property owners by selling the bonds during a period of low interest rates,” said Kevin Ferguson, director of finance and operations for the district.

The proposal will fund the construction of additional wings at Mountain View Middle School and Bremerton High School, as well as several other technological and capital improvements throughout the district. Exterior painting is already underway at Armin Jahr and View Ridge elementary schools with carpet replacement work also scheduled for Armin Jahr as well as Kitsap Lake and Naval Avenue elementary schools.

“The district is committed to providing the best possible opportunities for our kids to learn and the results of this bond sale enables the district to expand those opportunities,” said superintendent Bette Hyde.

A selection committee will select the project and construction management firms to perform the major work at the secondary schools.

“We hope to have the big firms associated with the large bond projects selected by next month,” said Krista Carlson, the district’s community services coordinator.

The committee held its first meeting to review the process for selection and receive submittals to review Wednesday. The group meets again Monday to turn in a rank order and determine firms to interview and holds its first meeting to discuss architects and engineering firms Friday.

Other minor repairs that will be coming soon for Bremerton schools include replacing the main water line for Armin Jahr, an upgrade of security systems at Bremerton High scheduled for Monday, reader board work at Naval Avenue, West Hills and Crownhill elementary schools, remodeling work in the nurse’s bathroom and pre-school at View Ridge and replacing a compressor at Mountain View.

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