FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
INFORMATION ABOUT THE UPCOMING BOND PROJECT MAY BE FOUND BELOW OR ON Facebook at USD240 Twin Valley Bond Project
PLEASE VOTE: On or before NOVEMBER 2, 2021
1. Will my taxes be raised? NO! A previous bond is scheduled to be retired next fall that had a mill rate of 11.69 mills. The proposed bond will require a mill rate of 7.82 mills—resulting in a reduction of 3.87 mills. With voter approval, the property tax on a residence valued at $100,000 would be reduced by an estimated $44.51 per year. The previous bond debt will be retired prior to the new bond mill levy being initiated. Please see the website above for more information and a table that will explain this in more depth.
2. Is now the best time to be requesting a BOND PROPOSAL? YES! The USD 240 School Board has researched current trends. Now is an advantageous time as the estimated 2.5% interest rate is near an historic low. Additionally, to wait may place our needs at more expensive costs due to further deterioration and higher construction costs.
3. What is a BOND? A bond is a financing tool used by school districts, cities, counties and other issuers to finance public finance projects. Investors buy a portion of the issue (in $5,000 denominations) and benefit by receiving interest that is exempt from federal and state taxation—resulting in a lower rate of finance than other loans. The District’s bond consultant has estimated a finance rate of 2.5%, but indicates that similar bond issues have recently sold at rates below 2%.
4. How was the $5.9 million bond budget determined? USD 240 School Board members discussed needs at the administrative, staff and patron levels in order to separate “wants” from “needs.” The Board also consulted with architects and construction professionals to gain advice on how best to use existing structures. The goal is to gain additional space for academic and career readiness curriculums and ensure the safety of our students, staff and patrons in our buildings and on school property. With great consideration of property owners, the Board specifically chose only those construction and reconstruction projects that are “needed.”
5. What happens if costs exceed the budget of $5.9 million? With the approval of this Bond proposal, the District is only authorized $5.9 million to fund the facility improvements. Our Board of Education will have the ultimate oversight over the design of the project and its cost. The Bond proposal amount includes consideration of over-runs, unexpected expenses and the unknown. The proposal is for the budget not-to-exceed $5.9 million.
6. Does the current design address the Bond Committee’s recommendations? Although there were many more ideas and desires expressed by stakeholders, staff, students and parents, the Board of Education was firm in requesting funds for “needed” projects rather than “wish lists.” All the “needs,” as determined by the Committee will be met with the current design.
7. Why doesn’t the District add on more new construction to address the need for new classrooms rather than eliminate the student lounge in Bennington’s building. New brick and mortar construction is not needed to increase the number of classrooms. Use of existing spaces to establish classrooms is more efficient and far less costly. Areas for social activities and interactions remain available for students.
8. If we didn’t allow so many out-of-district students, we wouldn’t need more space. The availability of local public schools is extremely important to the well-being of our communities. Revenue generated by Out-of-District students in USD 240 is over $2.5 million each year. This revenue allows our district to continue offering more curriculum choices and activities for all our students. It allows the employment of more faculty and staff to provide similar curriculum, activities, and athletics as other schools. Our students deserve the best educational opportunities we can provide. We must encourage and welcome out-of-district students.
9. The kitchen at Tescott has served well, why do we need to change it? The kitchen is outdated. Using the oven in the space allowed is hazardous. Staff must leave the building to gain access to frozen items, also hazardous in poor and dangerous weather situations. The current food service agency cannot provide the number of entrees and choices available under the food contract due to poor existing equipment and conditions. The current kitchen has provided good nutrition for students; however, improvements are needed for continued good service.
10. What is EIFS? EIFS is Exterior Insulation Finish System. When it was installed on our newer gymnasiums, it was a good and sound product; however, due to age it has now begun to allow precipitation to penetrate the buildings. It must be replaced to ensure the integrity of our buildings and eliminate moisture to accumulate inside. The new system is much improved and needed to prevent further water damage at both Bennington and Tescott sites.
11. What’s wrong with Tescott’s old gymnasium? The historic limestone gymnasium at Tescott is desperately in need of repair and improvements. The ceiling tiles have been removed due to many years of damage. The floor is not useable due to underlying supports that allow the floor to shudder and sink. A bounced ball does not return to the hands of players. Without improvements, athletics, physical education classes, music programs and theater programs would have no home. These improvements are needed to save an historic building.
12. No one is going to endanger our students, our community is safe. Why do we need secured entrances? We live in a world that requires more safety measures established to ensure security for our students. Although schools continue to be one of the safest places for our children, history has taught us we must continue to be vigilant. All our schools’ entrances allow people to enter and gain easy access throughout the structures with little formal scrutiny. Cameras and doorbells do not allow for proper the vetting of visitors, and a quick glance through a camera negates an opportunity to quickly access the mood or intent of someone disruptive. Requiring doorbells during the daytime also puts late-arriving elementary and pre-schools students the risk of remaining out of doors, despite weather conditions. Providing a secured access, with visitors checking into the office, will better protect our students and staff and allow educational opportunities to continue without unnecessary interruptions.
13. Why do we need more classrooms or a new shop in Bennington? Our community and local economy are agriculturally-based. We live in south Ottawa County, Kansas, because we value our county-lifestyle. For the past many years, comments have been made in the community that our students need to get-back-to-basics, be taught life-skills, make things with their hands, learn more leadership skills. Bennington’s shop area does not have an entrance/exit that allows for construction of large farm-related items or large wood-working projects. There is no area that is adequate for a welding class or multi-student practice. These classes, along with FFA leadership activities, are not homeless, but they are minimal and not what they could be. The building available outside the existing school house is wood-construction and does not meet code for the kinds of agricultural and shop projects that will enhance the curriculums we seek for career readiness.
14. Bennington has two distinct schools. Why consolidate the administration offices? Although there are two distinct schools, the elementary and junior/senior high school, they are housed in the same building. Teachers and staff are shared between all the schools. It only makes sense to consolidate the administration area. This will reduce the need for separate secured entrances. This allows students smooth transitions. This allows parents to access information for multi-grade students in their family. This will allow secretaries to work more efficiently. This allows all students easy access to health resources. This will allow principals to ensure consistent information and service to students.
15. Why is school involved in needing space for mental health services? Evidence-based practices and research illustrate a growing and constant need for many services to our students. Good mental health is foundational for good academic health. Students who cannot focus on school work will not be able to learn well. Social and emotional supports are not readily available in Ottawa County, so students must be transported 15-30 miles for appointments, many times unable to return within an acceptable time and miss many valuable learning hours. Providing offices for professionals in our building allows for appointments to be met and return to classrooms with minimal loss of school time. The Bennington site has no rooms available, indeed, teachers currently share rooms. It is imperative to provide more meeting and classroom spaces in the Bennington schools.
16. What is ADA and why do we need an elevator, an entrance ramp and new bleachers in Tescott? ADA stands for Americans with Disabilities Act. Schools that receive federal funding must adhere to ADA. Tescott High School, a multi-story building, has an elevator---an undependable elevator. It must be repaired or replaced to conform to ADA requirements. An entrance ramp at the secured entrance to the main building entrance is also a needed improvement and will not interfere with the current steps. Supporters and fans of Tescott sports are welcomed and encouraged; however, asking elderly or less than steady fans to climb non-ADA compliant football field bleachers is fraught with risk. The historic gym at Tescott is not well-suited for entrance and is not ADA compliant from either the outdoors or indoors. A ramp at the outdoor entrance of this gym is needed. Our fans, our patrons, deserve safety while cheering on the Trojans.
17. Do we really need a 3-year old program and classroom? Yes, we really do! Research has been clear that early childhood education is key to long-time learners and successful academic prowess. Offering our citizens additional education, in their youngest years, is a good thing to do. Not only will it increase all areas of learning, our working parents will have childcare instruction and assistance.
18. I want to see, myself, if all this is necessary. Tours of the buildings are provided prior to all home football games. Board of Education members will be happy to show you around. If you cannot come at the scheduled times, please contact the District Office to make arrangements.
If you have any questions, more information is available on-line as indicated at the top of this document or call School Board Members:
Robert Miller, 785-567-6415, rmiller@usd240.org
Ray Swearingen, 785-452-8498, rayswearingen@usd240.org