Easton Valley Rushing Another Multi-Million Dollar Decision
On February 20, 2025, the Easton Valley Facilities Committee met to discuss future building projects and financing. The meeting revealed troubling patterns of rushed decision-making, lack of financial diligence, and a disregard for transparency—just like the 2023 referendum.
Failure to Explore Grants & Alternative Funding
A community member asked:
“Has anyone investigated grants to mitigate some of this cost?”
Superintendent Chris Fee’s response was clear:
“We can’t apply for a grant because we don’t have a plan.”
Translation: The district has not seriously explored grants, partnerships, or donations before asking taxpayers to foot the bill. Instead of working to reduce the tax burden, Fee implied the only way forward is raising taxes first and looking for outside funds later—if at all.
This is not responsible financial planning. If the district seeks millions in additional tax revenue, why isn’t there a structured plan to pursue grants?
Rushing to Push a Vote Without Committee Approval
Fee is forcing this process forward before the Facilities Committee has completed its review and is pushing for a referendum vote at the March 26 board meeting—without the committee’s formal approval.
“We will take this, build a timeline out of it, and have the administration team and board review it… But it does sound like going for the larger bond issue is something that you guys probably want to do next.”
This is nearly identical to how the failed 2023 referendum was handled. At that time, Fee told the board that if they put it to a vote, the public would let them know what they wanted. The public did—they voted NO. Yet here we are again, with another rushed, poorly vetted proposal being pushed to a board vote without proper review.
If this were a true Facilities Planning Committee, shouldn’t members vote on whether to bring this to the board instead of Fee deciding for them?
Lack of Transparency and Documentation
In a recent FOIA request, I asked for financial documentation, facility committee meeting minutes, and compliance records related to open meetings law. The district’s response? No such records exist.
How can the board and administration make informed decisions without proper documentation? How can the public trust the financial viability and necessity of these projects if the district fails to maintain basic records?
ADA Compliance Still Not Addressed
During the meeting, a committee member reminded the group that the district is still not ADA compliant. Despite discussing costly extracurricular facility upgrades, ensuring compliance with the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has yet to be prioritized. The fact that this legal requirement continues to be overlooked while the district pushes forward with large-scale projects is unacceptable.
Taxpayers Deserve Better
Easton Valley residents deserve transparency, responsible leadership, and a district that explores all financial options before increasing taxes. The failure to seek grants, the rushed timeline, and the lack of documentation all show that history is repeating itself—just like 2023.
I urge Easton Valley taxpayers to demand full transparency before any multi-million dollar tax increase is put on the ballot. No taxpayer should be forced into another rushed and reckless decision.
Respectfully,
Richard Betts
