Reinvesting in our buildings and their aging system assures that Eudora Schools can continue to strive to provide students with outstanding learning environments and programming.
This investment includes maintenance of major mechanical systems, pavement, and flooring replacements, as well as facility enhancements for career and technical education and athletic program spaces at the high school level to support our growing curricular and extracurricular programs. In addition, the auxiliary gym space and fitness center at EHS would serve as a storm shelter as none currently exist at the high school.
The 2023 Bond would also invest in upgrading and expanding our playground at EES. The current playground limits the number of students that can access outdoor play at a given time, and the existing playground structure and base are in dire need of replacement.
The Bond projects have been designed with a focus on enhancing school safety. One of the primary safety-related projects includes the renovation of the main entryway at Eudora Middle School. The new entryway and office addition will enhance our safety measures and provide a secure entrance with a threshold, similar to Eudora Elementary and Eudora High School.
Furthermore, several other projects in the Bond aim to support school safety enhancements district-wide. These projects will cover various safety aspects, including upgrading fire alarms, emergency communication systems, and access card readers. Additionally, security infrastructure improvements will be made as part of the Bond, further enhancing the safety and security of our schools.
The Eudora School District is seeking approval to issue $39,950,000 in bonds.
The timing of the Bond is crucial due to several factors. It has been 16 years since the last Bond election in Eudora, and the daily use of buildings, coupled with the aging of equipment, has led to the end-of-life for much of the mechanical and HVAC equipment. To ensure the safety, functionality, and longevity of the buildings, immediate attention is necessary.
The anticipated growth in the region emphasizes our need for flexible and functional spaces with systems that can accommodate potential enrollment gains. The district recognizes the need to invest resources in our earliest learners, and repurposing part of the West Resource Center for the expansion of the Early Childhood Center will allow better utilization of all areas in district buildings. The new classroom spaces at Eudora High School and the expansion of the Early Childhood Center are essential in preparing for community growth and maintaining services for quality programming.
In November, a committee of district patrons representing a broad range of Eudora patrons was formed to evaluate the needs and concerns with district facilities. This committee created a proposal for the Board of Education to consider in January. The board then reviewed and considered these recommendations, ultimately creating a Bond package they feel adequately addresses the immediate needs of the district with a primary focus on facilities, safety, and infrastructure. This process ensured that the Bond project list was informed by the needs and concerns of the community and the final package was created with input from a diverse group of stakeholders.
When formulating plans for the 2023 Bond, the district felt it was imperative to complete projects over a shorter time frame in order to respond more quickly to a dynamic educational environment. The majority of projects are slated to be accomplished within a span of two or three years, depending on material and mechanical equipment wait times.
Proceeds from Bond issues can only be allocated towards specific purposes such as constructing, equipping, maintaining, and furnishing school buildings. It’s important to note that Bond funds cannot be utilized for general operating fund expenses, which include teacher salaries, to lower student-to-teacher ratios, extra and co-curricular programs, and other expenses related to the daily operations of the school district. Bond funds and operational funds are separate; according to state law, these funds cannot be combined.
The 2023 Bond referendum is a no-tax rate increase for two reasons. First, both residential and commercial growth in Eudora allows for a greater tax base to address public financing needs. Eudora USD 491 has a growing tax base. In the last 5 years, the district’s assessed valuation (not including motor vehicles) has increased from $63,318,616 in 2018 to $93,935,390 in 2022—an increase of more than $30.6 million (48%). This represents average annual tax base growth of 9.67%.
Second, the 2023 Plan of Finance is called a "wrap structure". The Plan is to structure the new proposed 2023 bonds to "wrap" around the existing outstanding bonds and create a structure where one consistent mill rate will retire all bonds (both existing and proposed). With tax base growth, a conservative estimate as to state aid for existing and proposed bonds, and a finance rate of 4.5%, the existing mill rate is adequate to cover all bonds.
April 25, 2023 is the last date citizens may register to vote and automatically receive a mail-in ballot. For more information about the registration process, visit the Douglas County Election Office website, https://www.douglascountyks.org/depts/voting-and-elections, or call 785-832-5267.
The Douglas County Election Office has a website for voter registration, https://www.douglascountyks.org/depts/voting-and-elections/register-to-vote
The Bond requires a simple majority of votes, 51 percent, to pass.