(The following letter to the editor was written by Todd McCrackin, superintendent of the East Newton R-6 School District)
Patrons of the East Newton School District,
Our school district has a great opportunity coming up on April 5th. Patrons have the opportunity to approve a “no tax increase” bond issue (Proposition K.I.D.S.) for much needed facility upgrades to all of our campuses.
School districts typically do not have an abundance of money lying around and must use bond issues to help fund projects. Proposition K.I.D.S. if passed would allow the district to sell bonds and borrow $4,000,000 to pay for the improvements. This bond money could only be used for capital improvement needs.
“No tax increases” are very popular with voters across the state. Recent information from a financial company that ran 20 “no tax increase” issues in 2015 had a passage rate of 95% (19 of 20). In 2014 the passage rate was 94% (30 of 32). Voter approval is needed anytime school districts borrow money, even if there is a “no tax increase”.
The tax rate for patrons will stay the same as it has for the past two years. The ballot language states this fact as well, if the bond issue were to pass. Current debt service rate is .4691 cents. Again, the schools tax rate will remain the same, and the school will not be raising patron’s taxes, the total levy for patrons will remain at $3.2191.
What will the money be used for? Safety: We would like to place a camera system at Triway and Granby. Also, we would like to have an access control system installed at the high school and Granby campus. Triway campus already has a system that was paid for by their PTO. This is a system that would allow all doors to be locked during school hours, thus limiting who has access to come into the buildings. All three buildings have old Fire Alarm systems that need replacing too.
Economic factors: Replace single pain windows and replace doors that are not energy efficient, which is costing the district in energy savings. We would also replace some older HVAC systems across the campuses with better energy efficient systems. Facility upgrades: The district would look at improvements to the main bus barn located at the high school. The AG program wants to include an animal science area for large and small animals. Triway and Granby would receive covered walkways, protecting students from rain as they travel to buses or classes.
Other Improvements: Roofs always need maintenance by the district each summer; we would make high need roof repairs at all three campuses. Other smaller projects at the buildings would be completed based on the availability of remaining bond issue funds.
Voting YES will give the District budget flexibility it has not seen in a long time. Operational funds could be used for school building supplies, rather than being budgeted to make repairs on buildings. Work on the above projects would begin in May after school is out for the summer. My wish is for patrons, students, and staff to be proud of schools not only academically, but also for the learning environment the District provides. YES for K.I.D.S. is now on Facebook.
Remember, all Missouri school students depend on each of us to whom their future is entrusted. The students of today will take our places shortly; our hope is we served them well. The phrase, “it was good enough for me” is not an example for our children. Whether or not you have a student in the school system is not important; what matters is do you want to “pay it forward” and help students as was once done for you.
Todd McCrackin
Superintendent, East Newton R-VI School District
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