School board approves bond resolution

A resolution calling for bond election in Unified School District 333 was approved by the board of education during its regular meeting on Monday night.
If approved by the Kansas Board of Education, a question will be placed on the ballot for the November 2 general election asking voters in the school district if USD 333 should issue general obligation bonds in the amount not to exceed $48,500 to pay the costs to construct, equip and furnish renovations and additions to district facilities, including various improvements to Concordia High School.
Facility improvements described in the bond question include an extensive renovation of the original 1929 high school building; new roof, new windows and facade repairs; an addition with new food service, student dining, classrooms and gymnasium/locker room to replace the 1929 gymnasium, including new entries; demolition of the pool and 1929 gymnasium to convert to classroom space; renovation of the 1976 competition gymnasium by removing the adjacent corridors and locker rooms to make room for new circulation meeting Americans with Disabilities Act requirements; security upgrades; site work; and all other necessary improvements.
It is stated in the bond that the issuance of the bonds to finance the improvements shall be subject to the same conditions, including the approval by the electors of the city of Concordia the imposition of a 1 percent citywide sales tax.
A community engagement team, which was formed in 2019, along with HTK Architects and McCownGordon Construction, recommended to the school board back in May that the district move forward with the 30-year, $48.5 million bond issue to fund the facilities improvements.
When it became evident that the cost facilities improvement project was more than what could be supported by local property tax alone, the school district approached the Concordia city commission about considering placing a 1 percent general purpose sales tax question on the November 2 ballot.
The sales tax increase would align with the 30-year bond issue with 90 percent of the funds generated being used to pay down the bonds. The remaining 10 percent would be retained by the city and could be used to address infrastructure needs.
During a special meeting on August 2, the school board approved finalizing the scope of the project, finalizing the bond amount of $48.5 million and asking the city commission to include the sales tax question on the ballot.
Representatives met with the city commission during its regular meeting last Wednesday.
USD 333 superintendent of schools Quentin Breese formally requested that the commission approve a resolution to support the 1 percent sales tax for an educational purpose.
The city commission is expected to take action on the sales tax question during its meeting next Wednesday.
If the resolution is approved by the commission, the sales tax question would be on the ballot along with the bond issue question.
Voters who live in the city limits would vote on both measures. Those who live in the school district, but outside the city limits, would vote just on the bond issue.
The two questions would be contingent on both passing.
During the meeting on Monday night, superintendent of schools Quentin Breese informed the board members that the wearing of masks or face coverings by students and staff within the district facilities would be highly recommended but not required when school starts on Thursday.
Breese also told the board members that the district would follow federal law that requires the wearing of masks or face coverings on school buses and district vehicles.
In other action taken during the meeting, the board approved raising the pay for substitute teachers during the 2021-2022 school year from $105 to $120 per day.
Included in the classified staff changes approved by the board was the hiring of Danielle Lambert as school nurse, Rowe Hinkle as head junior high school track and field coach, Ashley Blain as drama sponsor and Julie Kasier as instructional para.
The board accepted the resignations of Hinkle as assistant high school baseball coach and Gene Rundus as assistant girls’ tennis coach.
The board also approved the annual Learning Cooperative of North Central Kansas agreements and changes to the 2021-2022 junior-senior high school student parent handbook.
The 2021-2022 board of education goals was tabled.
The board met in executive session for 15 minutes with Quentin Breese to discuss non-elected personnel.