To provide 21st century schools we need 21st century construction.

Students need a state-of-the-art classroom environment to compete in the global marketplace. Achieving that goal makes us a top choice for businesses and families looking for top quality doctors and top quality schools.

Considering modular schools as a practical choice may be a late-to-the-party alternative, but better to take a step back to put the classroom first in line when taxpayers contemplate a $49 million, 20-year commitment to a new school building.

The stereotype that modular is inferior to conventional construction, or resembles a trailer, or is a big square box may have been true years ago.

Today, off-site construction is state of the art. Modular schools have been built in Bainbridge, Marysville and Shoreline, as well as the Tesla STEM School in Redmond.

Why modular schools are worthy of consideration:

• Going modular is an opportunity to reduce costs.

• Costs can be accurately predicted.

• Cost per square foot includes architecture plans and fees, engineering and site grading.

• Modular meets or exceeds building codes and standards.

• Controlled factory-environment assembly enhances quality.

• Modular is permanent.

• Prefabricated is actually sturdier than conventional construction; easier to upgrade, update and remodel.

• Weather conditions become less of a factor.

• New classrooms can be in use while other areas are completed. Different phases (foundations, utilities) can progress concurrently — allowing for less disruption and speedier completion.

• Design possibilities rival or exceed “old school” choices. Modular design can mimic the current concept drawings.

• Modular requires normal maintenance and has the same lifespan as site-built.

• Financing is as easily obtained as conventional construction loans.

• Modular will work on the Olympic Peninsula and delivery requirements can be customized to the site location.

• It’s LEED: healthy, inherently greener and energy efficient.

• Students couldn’t ask for a more modern classroom environment.

• Taxpayers couldn’t ask for a more efficient use of their tax dollars.

• I spoke to architects, modular manufacturers and employees of modular schools … and have yet to hear a discouraging word.

The Sequim School District deserves kudos for its hard work. But we need to consider what is going to be asked of taxpayers going forward, knowing the district will come back with other school buildings that need replacement.

The $49 million bond is based on concept only. True cost cannot be determined until after passage.

A yes vote to rebuild Haller Elementary School will raise your total property tax.

Property taxes can only be estimated; there’s no such thing as a Predictable Property Tax. (Ask the Assessor’s Office for more information.)

Something to keep in mind: Although not now on the table, a new school still requires repairs and maintenance. How we deal with M&O (maintenance and operations) is in dire need of restructuring. A truer description of M&O is “operations and maybe maintenance” — only 15 to 25 percent pays for repairs and maintenance.

Students need to concentrate on learning. Taxpayers should concentrate on making the most of the budget.

Lower building costs makes it conceivable each new generation could build the state-of-the-art school of their dreams.

We have three more elections this year. Reconsidering will keep all our options open and give us breathing room to address not only the Helen Haller Elementary School replacement but also Greywolf Elementary and Sequim High School renovations — which will be on our ballots soon enough.

Every 20 years creates a new generation of families; the ones most closely affected by the quality of schools.

Modular is built to last a lifetime, is sensible and a choice for quality.

Let’s rethink this construction bond in order to continue this conversation so we can give students a classroom environment that enables learning, easily accommodates ever-changing technological needs and gives us the flexibility to keep up with education for the future.

Shelley Taylor is a Clallam County resident. Contact her through the website no98millionbond.com.