FAQs
USD 270 is asking voters to consider a bond as part of a long-term effort to maintain safe, functional, and welcoming school facilities for students, staff, and the community. This approach aligns with the district’s strategic focus on cultivating a culture of pride, ensuring facilities are well cared for, planning responsibly for future needs, and coordinating funding sources for larger projects.
Over time, major building systems and spaces require reinvestment to remain reliable and effective. A facilities assessment and the work of a citizen bond committee identified areas where aging infrastructure, accessibility needs, and facility limitations should be addressed in a planned and coordinated manner.
In addition, existing bonds associated with the Cardinal Gym are nearing retirement. As those obligations are paid off, the district is evaluating how best to address current and future facility needs in a responsible way, rather than deferring major improvements or relying solely on limited annual funding sources.
The bond proposal reflects a long-term planning approach focused on maintaining quality facilities that support learning, safety, and community use now and into the future.
Why is USD 270 asking voters to consider a bond?
Project options were developed using input from a citizen bond committee, district staff, professional consultants, and community feedback. The Board of Education approved the final bond proposition. More details about this process can be found on the Timeline page.
Who decided what projects are included?
Does the District support or oppose the bond?
The District does not advocate for or against any ballot issue. The District’s role is to provide factual information so voters can make an informed decision.
If Question 1 passes there would be a 1 mill increase. If both Questions 1 and 2 pass there would be a 10 mill increase. Question 1 captures 5.719 mills of retiring bonds. More details about the tax impact can be found on the Bond Proposal page.
How will this bond affect my taxes?
Many building systems are at the end of their lifecycle and require attention to maintain safe and functional facilities. Delaying work may result in higher costs or emergency repairs in the future.
Why not delay these projects?
Kansas law limits how bond funds may be used. Bond proceeds can only support capital improvements, such as building construction, renovations, major system replacements (roof, HVAC, electrical, plumbing), site work, and accessibility upgrades. Bond funds cannot be used for operating expenses, salaries, classroom supplies, or instructional programming.
School districts do have a separate funding source for facility needs called Capital Outlay. Capital Outlay funds are generated through a mill levy that is capped by the state at 8 mills. USD 270 currently uses Capital Outlay funds for routine maintenance, smaller repairs, and planned replacements. However, the annual amount that can be saved through Capital Outlay is limited and is typically not sufficient to address large, high-cost projects or multiple major system replacements at the same time.
Because many facility needs involve significant, one-time costs, districts may use bond financing to spread those costs over time rather than attempting to fund them through limited annual savings. This approach allows necessary facility improvements to be completed in a coordinated and timely manner while staying within state funding guidelines.
Why can bond issues only be used for facility improvements?
Will all projects be completed at once?
If approved, projects would be completed in phases based on scheduling, bidding, and construction timelines.
Bond funds are subject to state requirements, Board oversight, and public accountability. Funds may only be used for the purposes approved by voters.
Who oversees the use of bond funds?
Where can I find voting information?
Information about the March 2026 special election, including voting dates and locations, is available on the Bond Proposal page and through the county election office.
Why isn’t the elementary pickup and drop-off lane included in the bond proposal?
Improvements to the elementary pickup and drop-off lane are already planned through a KDOT Safe Routes to School grant. Design is complete, and construction is scheduled for summer 2026. Because this work is being completed through grant funding, it is not included in the bond proposal.
What is the cost of the special election?
The estimated cost of the March 3, 2026 special election is $3,736, as provided by the County Clerk. This cost covers the required election administration.