ABOUT ISSUE 10
The Facilities
The Amherst Schools provide a strong educational experience and are good stewards of the community's tax dollars. However, many of our facilities that support education are in serious condition, and some are past the point of repairs. There are some safety concerns. Issue 10 is necessary for Amherst Schools to continue its plan to make all district facilities safe, reliable, and accessible. It will fund construction of a new transportation garage and repairs to Amherst’s outdoor, co-curricular facilities, such as the stadium and tennis courts.
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Issue 10 adds $4.52 a month (per $100,000 appraised property value) to the $2.81 per month you are currently paying. By law, funds from Issue 10 cannot be used for salaries or operations – only safety and reliability in facilities that support education.
Despite regular maintenance, the district’s 60-year-old bus garage’s condition poses safety risks to our drivers and students who depend on safe, reliable buses. The garage lacks any exterior lighting, which makes early morning and late evening runs dangerous for district bus drivers.
The bus garage is also too small to accommodate the district’s fleet of buses, forcing outside storage, which takes years off the useful life of a bus. This impacts the safety of our buses, which must be well maintained because they transport thousands of students to and from school, activities, and trips every day. An improved bus garage will also help the district recruit bus drivers and address the current driver shortage.
Conditions at the Amherst Schools’ outdoor athletic facilities pose safety and accessibility issues for student-athletes, their competitors from visiting districts, staff, and families. The stadium’s fencing is coming out of the ground. Additionally, its seating is not currently compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The tennis courts are badly cracked. The track has not been resurfaced in eight years and lacks proper shot put, discus, and pole vault areas. Offering experiences like athletics and marching band enables the Amherst Schools to provide a well-rounded education, but the district must offer these opportunities in functional facilities that keep students safe. Your vote for Issue 10 is a vote for safety and reliability for Amherst students, staff, families, visitors, and the many community members who use our outdoor athletic facilities.