Letter to the editor: Every vote counts
To the editor:
On Nov. 1, people in the Basehor-Linwood school district area will have the opportunity to vote on a $22.9 million bond issue for our schools.
Over the past two years, District Advisory Council, consisting of over 60 community members, developed a plan addressing the needs of our growing district. I am in support of this bond for a number of reasons.
Taxpayers will be able to lock-in state aid assistance of 28 percent ($6.4 million) of the $22.9 million price tag and 28 percent of the interest. We will also be able to secure some of the lowest interest rates in the last 30 years.
Our mill levy will be 1.68 mills lower than what taxpayers approved in 1997.
Being fiscally responsible, a new elementary school will be built on property already owned by the district.
This bond issue allows the current student capacity to double in size. We will be able to add 1,765 more students (for $7 million less than the previous bond issue).
Improvements and additions will be made at every school (minus the high school, which received improvements with the 1997 bond issue). A new elementary school will be built, as a result of studies showing projected demographic growth in the district.
As bond chairperson, I have the privilege to talk with many people. The bond issue has received support throughout the district and the resounding belief is “It’s the right time and the right plan.” As a parent of preschoolers, I am committed to making sure my children have the best educational experience possible. My time spent as a D.A.C. member has solidified my belief that this bond is the right decision for the district and my family.
Please take the time to study the bond issue, ask questions, attend any of the meetings scheduled throughout October and most importantly, VOTE!
Need more information? Visit www.usd458.org/bond, call the district office (913-724-1396) or speak with any of the committee members throughout the district. And, please remember: Every vote counts.
Wynne Coleman,
Basehor.
Letter to the editor: The board’s perspective
To the editor:
On Tuesday, Nov. 1, patrons of the Basehor-Linwood School District will have the opportunity to support a $22.9 million bond issue for our children and our schools.
This plan was developed over the past two years by the District Advisory Council, a group of more than 60 community members from all walks of life. It is an excellent plan that will address the needs of our growing district.
It is fiscally responsible because it allows for the current student capacity to double in size, adding 1,765 more students for $7 million less than the previous bond proposal two years ago. An additional 54 new classrooms will be gained.
The average mill levy for this $22.9 million bond will be only 8 mills. For a district resident with a $100,000 home, the approximate cost of the 8 mills is $7.67 a month. By comparison, in 1997 the mill levy needed to support that $16.9 million bond issue was 16.98 mills. That levy has dropped and is now 7.299 mills, because of the increase in the assessed valuation of our district as a result of the growth.
Our district’s assessed valuation per pupil is below the state average. The state will currently assist us by paying 28 percent of the bond — or $6,437,200 — plus 28 percent of all the interest.
The entire board of education fully supports this bond issue. This is the right plan and the right time to support our children. It is receiving wide support throughout the entire school district.
We encourage all district patrons to study the facts about this bond issue; then it’s important to vote on Nov. 1. The advance-voting ballot is very convenient and easy, if it is difficult to get to the polls. Every vote counts.
Bond information packets are available at the district office, the libraries in Linwood and Basehor, and in each school building. In addition, numerous public meetings are scheduled.
Thank you for supporting our children and our schools.
USD 458 board of education:
Kerry Mueller, Gary Johnson, Pat Jeannin, Randy Cunningham, Danny Dearinger, Dayna Miller and Doug Bittel.