Endorsement: Yes on revised Gavin District 37 construction bond sale

It's been nearly eight months since Gavin District 37 voters rejected a borrowing plan to fund life-safety building improvements. Many opponents said they understood the need but didn't like the funding method - they compared it to a "revolving line of credit." The district returns to the Nov. 6 ballot with a new proposal that's more clearly defined and easier to understand.

It asks voters to approve a $6 million construction bond sale to pay for life-safety improvements at Gavin Central Elementary and Gavin South Middle schools. It includes repairing or replacing aging roofs, asphalt parking lots, boilers and chillers, improving science labs, extending air conditioning, and securing building entrances.

A current bond is set to expire, so voters will decide whether to pocket the entire savings or allocate some to support the improvements. If the referendum is approved, the owner of a house valued at $200,000 would see their property tax bill fall about $30 in the first year; if it is rejected, the savings would be $186 in the first year.

Some of the improvements target equipment at the end of its useful life, so doing nothing risks falling behind on maintenance and making cuts elsewhere to pay for critical work. The cost and plan are reasonable. We recommend a yes vote.