Voters in the Southern Boone County R-I School District approved the two ballot questions during the April 2, 2024 Municipal Election. Question No. 1 was the $11.6 million no tax rate increase bond issue for the high school expansion construction project and Question No. 2 was the 20 cent levy transfer to help increase salaries for teachers and staff.
SOUTHERN BOONE COUNTY R-I SCHOOL DISTRICT QUESTION NO. 1 (Bond Issue)
YES: 1,379 (73.2%)
NO: 506 (26.8%)
SOUTHERN BOONE COUNTY R-I SCHOOL DISTRICT QUESTION NO. 2 (Levy Transfer)
YES: 1,215 (64.5%)
NO: 668 (35.5%)
Question No. 1, which proposed an $11.6 million no tax rate increase bond issue for the high school expansion construction project, garnered overwhelming support from the community. Funds from the bond issue will be used to build a new vocational and agriculture department wing, along with two new art classrooms, a family and consumer science classroom, parking lot improvements, and necessary roof repairs at the high school.
“We are incredibly grateful to the voters for their continued support of the school district by passing this latest bond issue,” said School Superintendent Dr. Tim Roth. "As we have seen with previous bond issues over the years, this investment will not only modernize our building facilities but also make some much-needed improvements and repairs to the high school along with providing a safer learning environment for our students."
Work at the high school will begin this summer with remodeling two sets of restrooms and other cosmetic improvements and repairs being made inside the building. Design and engineering for the vo-ag wing construction project will be taking place now through November of this year. Bidding for the project is expected to be in early 2025 and construction will occur from Spring 2025 to Summer/Fall 2026. Future updates on the project will be available at sbschools.us/future.
Furthermore, Question No. 2, which sought a 20 cent levy transfer to help increase salaries for teachers and staff, also received approval. This strategic adjustment to the district's debt services and operating property tax levies will enable the transfer of funds without increasing the current tax rate. The transfer will help the district retain and attract high-quality educators by increasing salaries for school employees.
"The passage of the levy transfer is a testament to our community's commitment to supporting our teachers and staff," said Dr. Roth. "By helping increase salaries for school employees, we are not only trying to support our staff but also investing in the future success of our students."
The school district wants to thank voters for their resounding support during the election. The successful outcome of both ballot questions underscores the Southern Boone School District's dedication to providing exceptional educational opportunities for students while also fostering a supportive environment for the school district’s teachers and staff.