Brandon Hurley for Lacey Board of Education

This November, Lacey Township voters will be asked to decide on a $28.87 million bond referendum for school repairs. Here’s a clear, unbiased breakdown of what it means for our community.

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What’s Being Proposed

• Cost: Up to $28.87 million
• Projects:
  • Roof replacements at five schools
  • HVAC upgrades at the high school, middle school, and Lanoka Harbor Elementary
• State Aid: About $11.5 million would come from the state, covering roughly 40% of the cost.
• Tax Impact: The district says this will not raise property taxes, because older debt is expiring.

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Why the District Says It’s Needed

• Roofs are aging and already leaking in some schools.
• HVAC systems are outdated, leading to high energy costs and inconsistent heating/cooling in classrooms.
• Addressing the projects now with state support may save money compared to emergency fixes later.

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✅ What Supporters Say

• Prevents costly emergencies: Planned repairs are cheaper than waiting for breakdowns.
• Uses state money: Without approval, Lacey could lose out on $11.5 million in state aid.
• No new taxes: The district says the plan uses expiring debt to avoid tax increases.
• Better learning environment: Updated roofs and HVAC improve safety, comfort, and focus for students.

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❌ What Critics Say

• “We just had a big tax increase”: Some point to the ~20% increase last year and argue the district should use that revenue instead of borrowing.
• “Borrowing is irresponsible”: Critics believe the board should reprioritize the existing budget or take short-term loans, not add long-term debt.
• “Trust issues”: Skeptics question whether “no tax increase” is realistic, given past communication concerns.
• “Taxpayers are tired of bailouts”: A common sentiment is that residents are carrying the burden of a poorly managed system.

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What Happens If It Passes

• Bonds are issued and projects move forward.
• State covers part of the cost.
• District maintains that property taxes remain level.

What Happens If It Fails

• Projects may still need to be addressed later, but without state aid.
• Repairs could fall into the regular budget, which would likely affect taxes.
• Emergency fixes may end up being more expensive.

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Summary

This referendum focuses on infrastructure basics: roofs and HVAC systems.

• Supporters view it as smart planning that leverages state aid without raising taxes.
• Opponents see it as another burden on taxpayers and question the district’s financial priorities.

On Election Day, the decision is yours. Weigh the benefits, the risks, and what you believe is best for Lacey’s schools and community.