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This is an example of why Service High needs the renovation work included in Prop 1.

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BILL ROTH / Anchorage Daily News

This is an example of why Service High needs the renovation work included in Prop 1.

Our view: School bonds: Yes

Good investments

Published: April 5th, 2009 04:46 PM
Last Modified: April 5th, 2009 04:46 PM

State debt reimbursement makes two school bond propositions a bargain for local voters. The state will pay off 60 percent to 70 percent of the debt. Proposition 1 is for $69.9 million, mostly to complete renovations of Service High, the second-largest school in the district. It opened in 1971 and is badly in need of repairs and remodelling. It also has $2.5 million for water and sewer line extension to Eagle River High, and $680,000 for design of a K-8 school in Girdwood.

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Proposition 2, $27.5 million, is mostly for replacing and upgrading major systems in schools. It funds electrical projects at nine buildings, including West High and half a dozen elementaries; roof replacement at Creekside Park and Inlet View elementaries; and traffic projects at Huffman Elementary and Mears Middle School. If the same improvements were done as part of the operating budget, the state would not pick up 60 percent to 70 percent of the costs

With state debt reimbursement, the added property tax for these two bond proposals combined is $21 annually for the owner of a $200,000 house.

The Anchorage Chamber of Commerce board, which is sometimes wary of proposals that add to the property tax burden, has endorsed both school bond propositions.