Patrons Advocating for Stronger Schools
Thank You for taking the time to learn how you can help improve the schools in the community where you live.
The purpose of this web site is to inform and persuade the voters in USD340.
The Board of Education for USD 340 has approved a resolution authorizing the calling of a special question election, the purpose of which is to hold a bond election and use the proceeds to pay for an educational capital improvement program in the district all pursuant to
KSA 72-6761.
The proposed Bond Issue will be a decrease of 1.177 mills from what is currently levied for the current Bond. The proposed Bond would replace and not be in addition to the current Bond Mill Levy, which is 9.177 and expires on June 30, 2012. The new bond, which will be on the ballot for the April 3rd, 2012 election, will generate $3,611,000 for eight years, which equates to 8 mills.
For only $7.73 per month on a home appraised at $100,000.00 the following improvements will be made.
- Primary electrical service improvements in the elementary and middle schools. Additionally lighting upgrades in the gyms and commons area.
- Classroom(s), Commons, Hall and Restroom upgrades.
- Air-condition the Commons in the middle school.
- Replace the roof on the high school
- Computers for students and staff at all the schools
- Interactive whiteboards and document cameras for each classroom
- Server, enterprise software and application software upgrades
- Construction of a new stadium locker room, restrooms and concession facility
- Stadium track resurfacing
- Stadium field lights replacement
- Handicap accessibility between parking lot to the bleachers and the restroom facility
- Replace visitor side bleachers
Our district is currently supported by State funds for Bond payments at 40%. This means the State would pay 40% of the $3,611,00.00 principal and interest over the term of the bond. Approval of the bond would ensure State monetary support for the term of the bond. This support is in jeopardy of not being renewed by the current Governor Administration.
Infrastructure Spending Breakdown $815,000
Technology Spending Breakdown $1,588,800
Facilities Replacement & Upgrades Spending Breakdown $995,000
What about other things the kids think are important? I have talked to a few kids who want an actual auditorium
An auditorium was considered by the community wide committee over a year ago but at the time due to the cost of such a facility and the uncertainty of financing of schools that project was put on hold for future consideration. It is important to have appropriate facilities for all of the programs for our students and although the current facility for theater productions may not be ideal it is very adequate. In future planning we would like to include the addition of multi use auditorium for student programs.
Upgrades to the buildings and technology are only common sense at this point. However, why would we $500,000.00 on a new concession stand/football lockerroom? I know they aren’t asthetically pleasing, but it’s definately NOT a necessity to construct a new facility! There aren’t enough text books in the classrooms for all of the students, many field trips have been deleted, additional parking is needed at the grade school, etc… And what about the new building at the bus barn? Considering that the school doesn’t perform the maintenance on the busses, isn’t there any leftover space that could be utilized in that building? We need to be wise about spending our money. I do not believe that spending half a million dollars on a sports team is reflective of that objective.