Approve bonds for KCK schools
Kansas City, Kan., School District voters have a good opportunity April 3 to continue the impressive progress their community is making in economic development, enhanced livability and education. Voters should approve the school bond issue on the ballot.
The $120 million in bonds will modernize the schools in a district that serves 21,000 students and employs 1,700 teachers. The bonds will pay to air condition the two-thirds of the district's 60 buildings now without air conditioning. Other improvements will be new computer technology, window and door replacements, and ceiling lighting and electrical-system upgrades.
The NASCAR racetrack, the recently announced tourism district at the track, and the new downtown hotel all are signs that Kansas City, Kan., and Wyandotte County are on the upswing. The school district also has done it's part in moving forward. Children who attend public schools in Kansas City, Kan., are the winners from a series of impressive school-improvement innovations, including the First Things First program.
The district is a strong part of the community renaissance. It deserves public support for this bond issue, the first since 1970.
Students in Kansas City, Kan., are among the last in the metropolitan area to endure hot schools. Last year, district classes were cut short nine days because of the summer heat. Children and teachers were forced to exist in sweltering classrooms. For children with asthma and other respiratory conditions, this was particularly unhealthy.
The Kansas City Star
February 19, 2001
The coming years will be critical for Kansas City, Kan., schools because of teacher shortages. Kansas City, Kan., should be able to offer cool classrooms to be competitive for teachers.
The district has involved the community in the decision-making over the bond issue. It has attempted to keep the mill levy increase for the bonds as low as possible.
The bonds would increase the district mill levy over the 20-year period so that a homeowner with a $50,000 house would pay an additional $4.50 a month and with a $75,000 home, less than $6.80 more monthly. The state would pay for about one-third of the bond costs.
The tax increase is clearly reasonable to protect taxpayers' investment in older buildings and to keep Kansas City, Kan., Schools competitive with others.
A good educational system in air-conditioned and well-maintained buildings adds to a community's value. Kansas City, Kan., voters should acknowledge this when they go to the polls April 3.