Board decides to submit bond issue to a/c schools to voters

Board of Education members accepted a recommendation from a community steering committee to ask voters in April to air-condition and make other improvements to district schools.

At Tuesday's Board meeting (January 23), members adopted a resolution authorizing a $120,000,000 bond issue for the April 3 Municipal Election.

"If successful, this bond issue will provide equal educational opportunities for students and improve the quality of life in our community," said Dr. Ray Daniels, superintendent of schools.

During the past three school years, the district has dismissal early because of heat 26 days. That equates to 13 full-days of missed classes.

Only one-third of district schools have air-conditioning. Most other school districts in Wyandotte, Johnson and Leavenworth counties have air-conditioned or are in the process of air-conditioning schools.

The proposed bond issue would cost the owner of a $50,000 home $4.51 a month. The average value of a home in the district is approximately $45,000.

Dr. Tom Kurucz, assistant superintendent of business services, explained that one advantage for the district is that the state would pay about 33 percent of the costs based on the assessed valuation of property in the district and the number of students enrolled.

Approximately 60 community residents were invited to serve on the steering committee that recommended to Board members that they authorize a bond issue. Dr. Deloris Pinkard, a former teacher and administrator in the district, and The Reverend Rick Behrens serve as co-chairs of the committee. The committee will now assist in planning for the successful passage of the bond proposal.

In order to determine community support for a bond issue, the district commissioned an outside opinion poll in December. The favorable results helped the steering committee reach the decision to recommend a bond issue to the Board.

Overall, the opinion survey found strong support for a $5 per month tax increase. The results also indicated that support for a larger tax increase might be likely if a successful "get out the vote" campaign was initiated.

Kurucz told Board members that the scope of work over three years would make improvements at all schools. In addition to air-conditioning schools, the bond issue would pay for updating equipment at air-conditioned schools, replacing windows and doors to increase energy efficiency, upgrading existing restroom facilities, replacing ceilings and lighting, and improving technology.

A special issue of Staff Notebook .pdf will be published soon with more information about the proposed bond issue and how employees of the district may assist.

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