FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Smoky Valley Public Schools, USD 400

 The upcoming bond issue can be found on the District’s website:

www.smokyvalley.org

 VOTING INFORMATION

How do I vote on August 4th?

You must be registered to vote. If you haven’t already registered to vote and would like to, click here: www.kdor.ks.gov/Apps/VoterReg/Default.aspx

You may vote at your assigned polling location for the general election. To find your assigned site go to: Kansas Secretary of State | VoterView (voteks.org)

When is the last day to register to vote for the August 4th, 2026 election?

The last day to register to vote is July 14, 2026.

 FINANCIAL INFORMATION

1. How was the $21 million bond budget determined?

A steering committee made up of community members, teachers and district administrators (Smoky Valley Facility Vision Team) researched many capital improvement solutions over the past 2 years. The proposed project scope was narrowed over countless hours and multiple meetings. The proposed $21 million bond issue was developed through a comprehensive facility assessment conducted by Alloy Architecture beginning in late 2024 at the direction of the Smoky Valley Board of Education. The assessment evaluated the condition of district facilities, identified critical infrastructure needs, and prioritized projects necessary to maintain safe, functional, and modern learning environments for students and staff.

The assessment revealed several significant needs across the district, including major HVAC and plumbing improvements at Smoky Valley Middle School, roofing replacements and repairs at all four attendance centers, and numerous electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and interior improvements at Soderstrom Elementary School. Many of these projects involve aging infrastructure that can no longer be adequately addressed through the district's annual Capital Outlay budget.

In addition, the bond proposal includes site, interior, and exterior improvements at both Smoky Valley Middle School and Smoky Valley High School, as well as updates to the district auditorium, including improved lighting and sound systems. Playground improvements at both campuses were also identified as priorities to enhance student safety and recreational opportunities.

The bond issue also invests in the future of career and technical education through the construction of a new Agricultural Education facility. This new building will provide dedicated space for the district's expanding Agriculture Education curriculum and FFA program, creating hands-on learning opportunities that prepare students for careers in agriculture, skilled trades, and related industries that are vital to our local and regional economy.

The bond proposal also addresses long-term athletic facility needs, including resurfacing the district's tennis courts, construction of a new softball field, and replacement of the track and synthetic turf utilized by Smoky Valley students owned by Bethany College.

The $21 million bond amount was established by aligning the district's most critical facility, infrastructure, safety, educational, and extracurricular needs with what could be accomplished in a fiscally responsible manner. The proposed projects represent a balanced approach to preserving existing facilities, enhancing learning opportunities, improving student programs, and addressing deferred maintenance that has accumulated over many years. By investing in these improvements today, the district can protect community assets, support student success, and ensure Smoky Valley schools remain strong for future generations.

2.    What happens if we go over or under the $21 million budget?

If the bond election is successful, the district will be authorized to issue up to $21 million in bonds to fund the approved facility improvements. The Smoky Valley Board of Education will maintain final oversight of the project design and budget, working closely with Alloy Architecture and the selected Construction Manager to ensure the project scope aligns with the available bond funds.

If project bids and final costs come in under budget, the Board of Education may consider additional improvements that fall within the scope and purposes outlined in the approved bond language. Any remaining funds may also be used to reduce the overall tax impact on taxpayers or to retire bond debt earlier than scheduled, subject to applicable legal requirements.

If project costs come in over budget, the district cannot simply issue additional bonds beyond the voter-approved $21 million authorization. Instead, the Board of Education, along with Alloy Architecture and the Construction Manager, would review the project scope and make adjustments as necessary to ensure the project remains within the authorized budget.

To help manage costs and maximize value, all components of the project will be competitively bid and carefully reviewed through the Construction Manager At-Risk (CMAR) process. The district will not begin interviewing or selecting CMAR candidates unless the bond issue is approved by voters.

3.  What is the tax impact associated with this bond issue?

A 13.75 net mill levy increase for bond and interest. The proposed mill levy will return to the 56.6 amount near where the district levy was in 2015 when the New High School was paid off. Additional information can be found on the smokyvalley.org web-site under bond information.

4.  How do the proposed improvements involve our partnership with Bethany College?

USD 400 has maintained a long-standing partnership with Bethany College, including the shared use of the football field and track complex. More than 20 years ago, USD 400 partnered financially with Bethany College on the installation of the original artificial turf surface. Most recently, in 2020, the district provided funding to replace the turf and resurface the track.

These investments in Bethany College’s facilities have been considered payments in lieu of rent for the use of the complex by Smoky Valley High School and Middle School students and programs, including football games and practices, track practices, and track meets.

PROJECT INFORMATION

1.  Does the current plan address the Smoky Valley Facility Vision team’s recommendations?

Yes, it addresses a majority of the Facility Vision team’s recommendations, especially in regard to addressing aging infrastructure, updated fine arts improvements, and a new Agricultural Facility. While the Facility Vision Team, evaluated improvements more than $40 million early on, with additional athletic items, additional interior and exterior improvements, the team felt that they should fit the needs into the budget that has been proposed.

2.  Does this bond program provide a long-term solution for the District?

The bond program does provide a long-term solution for the needs of the Prek-12 Smoky Valley School system. The Smoky Valley Board of Education has put a focus on resetting the clock on our aging infrastructure of the1952 (Current Middle School) and 1960 Soderstrom Elementary School in addition to meeting the needs of our new Agriculture Program, while honoring our outstanding music and theater departments with updates to the Auditorium.

3.  Why now? What is the reason(s) for the District to seek a bond issue in August 2026?

The primary reason for pursuing a bond issue in August 2026 is that the district's aging facilities require improvements that can no longer be adequately funded through annual Capital Outlay resources alone. Many of Smoky Valley’s buildings are reaching an age where major renovations and infrastructure upgrades are necessary. Smoky Valley Middle School was built in 1952, Soderstrom Elementary School was built in 1960, and while Smoky Valley High School was constructed in 1996, it also has facility needs that must be addressed.

In addition to addressing aging infrastructure, the district faces growing demands for educational and extracurricular spaces. There is a need for expanded and updated welding, agricultural education, and Career and Technical Education (CTE) facilities, as well as improvements to athletic, fine arts, and other student activity spaces. Ongoing interior and exterior building improvements continue to compete for limited maintenance funding, making it increasingly difficult to address all facility needs through annual budgets.

The timing is also advantageous from a financial standpoint. Construction and material costs have steadily increased due to inflation and are expected to continue rising in the future. Addressing these needs now allows the district to complete necessary improvements before costs become even higher, helping maximize the value of taxpayer dollars and reducing the likelihood of more expensive repairs or replacements later.

4.  Will this facility allow us to recruit and retain the top talent?

High-quality facilities are an important factor in attracting and retaining outstanding teachers and staff. Educators want to work in environments that support effective teaching, provide safe and comfortable learning spaces, and demonstrate a community's commitment to education.

Modern, well-maintained facilities positively impact a teacher’s ability to deliver instruction, collaborate with colleagues, and meet the needs of students. They also contribute to staff morale, job satisfaction, and overall well-being by addressing concerns related to health, safety, and building conditions.

While facilities are only one component of a successful recruitment and retention strategy, they are often a significant selling point for prospective employees and can help the district remain competitive when attracting and keeping high-quality educators.