City council encourages citizens to vote

By Shannon Weidemann (McKone) on Monday, May 10th, 2021 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories

BAKER CITY – (Information provided by Baker City Manager Jonathan Cannon) At its regular meeting on April 27, 2021, the Baker City Council voted to encourage citizens to vote in favor of the proposed Baker School District Bond Measure 1-108 in the May 18 election. If the proposed bond measure passes, Baker School District would receive a $4 million State matching grant to address facility needs in Baker schools. The district also would contribute $4 million from its Capital Projects and Student Investment Account (SIA) funds, for a total investment of $12 million into school district facilities.

If the proposed bond measure passes, funds would be used to replace/upgrade mechanical and electrical systems at all Baker 5J schools to improve heating, cooling, and ventilation; construct an approximately 5,000-square-foot multipurpose building at Baker Middle School for use as a cafeteria/kitchen; replace the roof at South Baker Intermediate School; and upgrade security and access systems at all Baker 5J schools. The proposed bond would be repaid over five years.

Additional information can be found at https://www.bakersdbond.org/. It is well worth the time and effort to learn about the issue before making your final decision. If you still have questions, the school district is more than happy to answer them. Superintendent Mark Witty is generous with his time and willing to explain the need for this investment. For more information, contact the district at 541-524 -2260 or by email at mark.witty@bakersd.org or lindsey.mcdowell@bakersd.org.