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Located in lower Arkansas River valley, the Swink K-12 school,
built in 1968, represents Colorado school districts that are
neither fast growing nor desperately poor. For school districts
such as Swink, access to state grants is typically a long
shot, and the district’s lack of bonding capacity handcuffs
its ability to address its facility needs. There are numerous
school districts stuck in this middle ground.
The district utilizes two trailers for its fourth grade,
fifth grade social studies classes, reading classes and special
education. Temperature control in the trailers is troublesome
as are security concerns for the detached trailers. Swink
also has intentions to build an auditorium and a new gymnasium.
But with a bonding capacity of only $2.5 million, the 20th
lowest capacity in the state, the district cannot raise enough
revenue to address its needs. Nonetheless, Swink is going
to its voters this fall and asking them to approve a 15 mill
levy increase, which will max out their bonding capacity.
If the bond is successful, future attempts to raise revenue
for facilities will require a creative, patchwork approach
utilizing non-local sources.
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