The Provo City School District is currently proposing a $108 million bond for the purpose of rebuilding schools within the district. The school board has committed to the reconstruction of Provo High School, Rock Canyon Elementary School, Edgemont Elementary School, Provost Elementary School and Sunset View Elementary School.

I witnessed first hand the benefits that a new facility can bring to a school. When I got to Provo High School, the football/track/soccer facility was in terrible condition. There were major safety concerns with athletes being hurt at an alarming rate. We also had woefully inadequate facilities for our patrons as they were using porta-potties for restrooms. I have never seen a school ‘s morale and pride boost like I did last year after the new facility was completed. I witnessed immediate results among the students, staff and the PHS community. I will never forget taking the student council members to the top of the new press box and watching tears of joy come to their eyes.

At Provo High School there are classrooms with cracks up and down the walls, ceilings that are collapsing and students in portable classrooms that are inadequate for a proper learning environment. The building conditions at Provo High School are nowhere near the current seismic codes that schools are required to have. Millions of dollars would be needed to repair the school to meet current seismic codes.

It is estimated that the 2014 bond will increase the tax rate over the course of the replacement schedule by about $9.24 per month, or $110.88 per year, on a $210,000 primary residence. It is proposed that the bond will be repaid over the next 20 years. This is such a small price to pay for the safety and education of the students in the Provo School District.

I have truly enjoyed seeing the public support of the Provo City School District bond by leaders in the community such as Mayor John Curtis, Provo Police Chief John King and legendary BYU football coach LaVell Edwards. These new improvements and schools will be a boost for the Provo community. Please come out and support the bond initiative on November 4.

Jeff Schoonover, American Fork