What’s on your ballot? School bond and levy issues, KC earnings tax, go before voters in April

Grandview children practice safe hallway passage. Grandview is one of the area school districts hoping to pass a bond issue in April. Photo courtesy Grandview School District.

Several area school districts hope to gain voter support for ballot measures April 6 to improve facilities, increase security and enhance athletics and arts experiences. And Kansas City’s 1% earnings tax will also be on the ballot.

Grandview is seeking a 60-cent increase in its operating levy and a $45 million bond issue that extends its current tax rate without an increase.

Fort Osage is seeking a $20 million bond issue and wants to shift 32 cents of its debt service levy to its operating levy — both of which would extend the current tax rate without an increase.

Independence is pursuing a $43 million bond issue, also as an extension without an increase.

Fort Osage’s plan to transfer funds from its debt service levy to its operating levy would not change its tax rate.

Grandview estimates that its proposed operating levy increase would cost the owner of a $130,000 home an annual tax increase of $148. This is the district’s first request for a levy increase in 17 years.

The support of the ballot measures, Grandview Superintendent Kenny Rodrequez says, is needed to help keep teacher salaries competitive and learning spaces up to date.

The deadline to register to vote for the April election is March 10.

Here is a closer look at the three districts’ plans:

Grandview

Ballot Question One: The proposed 60-cent operating levy request comes based on a three-year forecast of the district’s revenues and expenses.

The district says it needs the boost in revenue to be able to hire and retain quality teachers.

Grandview information sessions:

March 9: (new date) “Get to Know the Facts about Q1 and Q2” via Facebook Live at 9:30 a.m. at facebook.com/grandviewcsd4

March 30: “Ask Questions, Get Answers about Q1 and Q2” via Zoom, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Register in advance by clicking here.

Learn more: grandviewc4.net

Ballot Question Two: The district says the $45 million bond issue is necessary to maintain facilities and make needed improvements without having to draw on operating funds and forcing budget cuts.

Among the plans for the bond issue, the high school would get improvements in the industrial technology area, football stadium renovations and a remodel of the cafeteria.

Renovations and improvements would be made across the district in fine arts and athletics areas, plus complete playground improvements.

Martin City K-8 School would get restrooms remodeled, a new gym and fine arts addition.

Grandview Middle School and Meadowmere Elementary would get new windows.

And to the extent funds are available, the district would also complete heating and cooling improvements, replace its camera system and make various roofing, floor and ceiling repairs.

Fort Osage High School student council members display medallions for service during the pandemic in a still photo from the district’s bond issue information video.

Fort Osage

Fort Osage information sessions:

Feb. 23 and March 16: Fort Osage High School Performing Arts Center, 2101 N. Twyman Road, 7 p.m. (Reservation required)

March 18: Virtual session online, 7 p.m. (Reservation required to receive the link).

To make a reservation: Contact Stephanie Smith, ssmith@fortosage.net or call 816-650-7019

Learn more: fortosage.net

Ballot Question One: The district’s $20 million bond issue would help Fort Osage complete many of the remaining improvement projects on its master plan.

Those projects include renovating cramped or outdated kitchen facilities at all five elementary schools plus at Fire Prairie and Osage Trail and the high school.

The district would construct a building for transportation, maintenance and district offices.

Fort Osage would also make parking lot improvements and add driveways at Blue Hills, Fire Prairie and the main campus.

Ballot Question Two: By transferring 32 cents of the debt service levy to the operating levy, the district would be able to address needed expenses and complete two construction projects that the district’s community engagement team named as priorities, Superintendent Jason Snodgrass said.

The district would be able to maintain competitive salaries and benefits for its staff and support ongoing programming.

The construction projects would build a new gym plus expand and renovate the band room at the high school.

Independence

Ballot Question: Independence’s sole question is seeking $43 million in bond revenue to make safety and security improvements across the district.

The district also wants to make renovations in fine arts facilities and the auditoriums at Truman, Van Horn and William Chrisman high schools.

The district would make upgrades of playground facilities at the elementary schools, plus complete other facility maintenance and improvement projects throughout the district.

Learn more: isdschools.org

The bond includes significant investments in the safety and security of students and staff, ensuring that every school in the District has a vestibule with double door secure entrance.

The bond projects were selected from a collection of more than $100 million in improvements identified by the coalition people in the district’s Comprehensive School Improvement Plan process.

Kansas City earnings tax

Kansas City voters will be asked to re-approve the city’s 1% earnings tax. The tax has to be renewed every five years and won overwhelmingly the last time in 2016 with 77% of the voters saying “yes.”

The tax pays for police and fire protection and funds 40% of the city’s general fund.

Residents of Kansas City are assessed the 1% income tax, and non-residents who work in Kansas City are taxed on the income earned in Kansas City.