Basic facts about the $370 million bond issue
The $370 million bond issue that‘s on the ballot on November 4 will address five critical needs:

• Additional classrooms and schools to accommodate overcrowding and growth and create smaller class sizes
• 60 FEMA safe room storm shelters
• Support the end of busing for desegregation with renovations to schools in the AAA area.
• Renovate or rebuild aging and unsafe fine arts, PE and athletic facilities
• Upgrade technical education programs

More information on those five critical needs will be covered in future editions of the Express. There are other basic facts about the $370 million bond issue that are important for employees and community members to know. Some basic facts are listed below. (Click here for a bond issue fact sheet)

• The state will pay 25%
  Under Kansas law, Wichita taxpayers contribute tax dollars each year to help school districts throughout the state build and remodel their schools. Each year, Wichita tax dollars have been used by districts across the state to renovate and expand facilities.
  This bond issue plan will allow Wichitans to benefit, as the state will pay 25 percent of the total cost— $92.5 million plus corresponding interest.

• In addition to the 25% of state support, the $370 million bond issue triggers additional funding:

o    $171 million in capital outlay – capital outlay funds are part of the district’s budget. The bond issue would free up funds to be used on other facility improvement projects.

o    $18 million in FEMA grants for safe rooms – The additional FEMA funds will reinforce instructional space as storm shelters. Many of the new fine arts, PE and classroom additions will be reinforced as FEMA safe room storm shelters.

o    $40 million (est.) in new facilities weighting – The state provides additional funding support for two years to districts which construct new spaces.

• How much will homeowners pay?
  The bond issue would mean $42.55 additional taxes per year on a $100,000 home, or $3.55 per month.

• Why now?
  The 2000 bond issue didn’t address all critical needs. The need will intensify for new schools to accommodate growth in northeast and southeast Wichita.

Answers for many frequently asked questions about the bond issue can be found on the district’s website. 

New information about the upcoming bond issue election is available on the Wichita Public Schools website. The site lists all of the needed upgrades each school would receive, provides financial facts and provides voter registration information.  

It's about Our Kids, Our Schools and Our Future!


August 25, 2008