Frequently Asked Questions
Lane Community College Bond Measure
Q: Why does Lane Community College need a bond now?
A: In order to continue to train a strong local workforce, provide essential programs for local health and safety career training for nurses, paramedics and public safety officers, as well as provide an accessible route to college for high school students, Lane Community College requires a bond measure. Lane must upgrade its 40-year old classrooms, outdated science labs and older technology equipment.
At present, our community is experiencing an increasing demand for career and technical training to develop the workforce that local employers need. For example, Lane’s nursing program receives over 300 applicants each year, but can only accept 72 students. This bond measure will help Lane meet the workforce and higher education needs of our community.
Q: What will the bond measure pay for?
A: High priority bond projects will provide upgrades for the following areas:
Heath and Safety Careers
- Upgrade and equip science labs with current technology for academic and career training classes, including nursing and emergency medical technician training
Repairs and Upgrades
- Improve access for students and others with disabilities
- Upgrade fire and earthquake safety systems
- Improve classrooms for growing enrollment in high-demand programs that prepare workers with skills for today and the future
- Replace 40-year-old leaking and dangerous plumbing and electrical systems, air conditioning and heating systems
Technology
- Bring computer, Internet and digital classroom technology up to
21st century standards - Improve technology so that people who live in rural areas far away from main campus can take online college courses
Vocational Training and an Accessible Route to College
- Remodel existing classrooms to create a Career Technical Education Center in order to expand access to vocational training for adults and high school students
- Improve the library to create a one-stop student learning center that includes tutoring and computer technology services
- Improve and add space for the energy management and renewable energy degree programs, as well as business resources like career training
Q: How much will the bond cost?
A: The estimated annual cost of the bond is approximately 25 cents per $1,000 of assessed value. Real property owners are currently paying about the same rate for a 1995 Lane bond. The new bond rate would be assessed in 2009, when the amount real property owners are currently paying will be paid off. The bond will provide $83 million to make necessary repairs and renovations to Lane’s facilities.
Q: Isn’t this a bad time to ask for a bond measure, considering the state of the economy, high gas prices and a crowded ballot?
A: It’s even more critical to invest in our local community college in times like these, when so many people need to improve their skills to find or keep jobs.
Q: How do I know that the bond funds will be spent as promised?
A: All bond expenditures are subject to annual audits. The college will provide disclosure of all spending to ensure accountability. All funds will be used to renovate and repair Lane facilities. Bond funds will only be used for bond-related expenses not for ongoing operating expenses such as faculty or administrator salaries, and all funds will stay right here in our community to improve Lane Community College.
Q: How can I learn more about the bond measure?
A: For more information please contact Tracy Simms at (541) 463-5200 or bond@lanecc.edu.
