The time has come, the Kansas City Public School board has resolved.

It has been more than half a century since the school district has passed a tax issue. But now the district will be planning to put a bond issue election before the voters in April, 2025.

The decision, the district announced in a statement after Wednesday night’s resolution, “has marked a historic moment in our journey to enhance the quality of education in Kansas City.”

In its statement, the district pointed to the challenge ahead of more than $400 million in deferred maintenance in its schools — a burden that has “significantly impacted the quality of education and the overall learning experience for our students.”

“It is clear,” the statement continued, “that we need to make essential investments in our school facilities to meet the educational needs of today's students.”

The board made the resolution with confidence that the community is dedicated “ to providing the best possible education for our children.”

With a successful bond election, the district would aim “not only to address the backlog of deferred maintenance, but also create modern, safe, and comfortable learning environments for students, complete with access to the latest technology.”

The district said there will be numerous opportunities in the months ahead for the community to provide feedback and join in the campaign in support of the district.

“We value the input of our dedicated families, staff, and all community members,” the statement read. “KCPS is fully committed to involving the entire Kansas City community in shaping the future of our schools.”