Great schools are vital to a well-educated workforce and healthy economy. The exceptional Bend-La Pine Schools public school system is good for business in Central Oregon.

For nearly three decades, thousands of new students have enrolled in our public schools. Their families come to the area for the quality of life and great schools and they bring new businesses and jobs with them.

Maintaining high-quality educational environments and taking care of our existing schools is a community priority. A yes vote for the school bond provides us with the opportunity to build two new schools to manage growth, and many projects throughout the district’s schools to maintain safety for our students. And, thanks to sound fiscal management by the district, all can be completed without increasing the tax rate that you currently pay.

This bond will fix leaking roofs and windows and upgrade heating, ventilation, electrical and plumbing systems and deliver energy efficiency projects that will save the district thousands of dollars in our lifetimes.

These two new schools and numerous projects will sustain hundreds of jobs each year. Those workers, in turn, will spend their salaries locally.

Doing this work now will allow the district to take advantage of construction and materials costs that are lower than in recent years.

With the passage of this bond, our children receive a healthier, safer place to learn. We can save money, energy and water, all while creating local jobs. That makes good business sense.

Betsy Skovborg

Bend