More than 30 residents of USD 258 met Thursday night to prepare a strategy to advocate for a bond issue designed to make improvements to the three major schools and adjoining facilities in Humboldt.
The vote on the bond is May 19.
It will be the only item on the ballot.
An amended version of what will appear on the ballot is as follows:
“Shall Unified District No. 258, Allen County, Kansas (Humboldt), issue general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $15,000,000 to pay the costs to construct, furnish and equip renovations, improvements and additions to (a) the elementary school … (b) the middle school … (c) the high school … (d) the community fieldhouse … and (e) the board office.”
The $15,000,000 for school improvements mentioned in the ballot question would be raised through an increase in property taxes, more specifically, a raising of the mill levy by 5.879 mills over the course of 20 years.
For perspective, that means property tax on a $75,000 home would increase by $4.23 a month, and property tax on a $150,000 business would increase by $18.37 a month.
Meanwhile, 76 percent of the bond plan’s cost would be shouldered by private industries.
Proponents also said that any improvements implemented by the bond are based on need rather than want, regarding both the district’s adherence to building codes and its concern for the safety and physical comfort of students.
“In order for students to be successful, they need to feel safe and secure,” said superintendent Kay Lewis. “They need to have a nice place to learn,” in terms of temperature and environment.
“They need to have space,” she also added, pointing out how the cafeteria where the meeting was being held is uncomfortably crowded during meal times.
Proponents likewise urged residents to view the proposed improvements as long-term investments with the potential to save the district money, for example, through installation of energy-saving amenities and infrastructure.
UNDER the bond, a list of improvements to the school district’s facilities are:
The elementary school would gain some new classrooms and restrooms, a corridor leading to the storm shelter, an addition to the cafeteria, roof replacements, renovations to HVAC, a transportation drop-off lane as well as parking lot and sidewalk improvements.
The middle school would gain some new classrooms and restrooms, including a new art room and upgrades to science classrooms, a corridor to the tech building, a workroom, entrance security enhancements and HVAC upgrades/replacements.
