Voters in USD 232 approved a $99.8 million bond measure, allowing the district to move forward with plans to make safety and security improvements, along with adding special education learning spaces and more.
Unofficial election results from the mail-in election tallied Tuesday showed voters approved the bond with 62.4%, or 4,074 votes, compared to the 37.6% or 2,454 votes against. The bond will not increase the tax rate.
“Bond 2026 is a meaningful investment in our priorities to enhance safety, expand opportunities, and improve facilities across the district,” Superintendent Cory Gibson said in a statement Tuesday.
The district breaks down the bond funding into three key areas:
- $14.7 million for improved facilities,
- $35.9 million for safety enhancements,
- and $49.1 million for expanded opportunities.
“I am so excited for our students,” said school board President Stephanie Makalous. “I just thank the community for supporting our students and the workers in our labor force. I think it says a lot that the community is behind the school district.”
In an emailed statement to the Post on Tuesday evening, the leadership team of the De Soto Teachers’ Association also noted its support for the bond issue and expressed gratitude for voters’ approval of the measure.
“Throughout this process, the district has worked diligently to gather feedback from a wide range of stakeholders, ensuring that our shared vision for improvement reflects the needs of all students in our great district,” the statement read. “We look forward to seeing the positive impact this Bond will have as USD 232 students continue to flourish.”
Next steps
Bond projects are anticipated to start in the coming months, said Alvie Cater, communications director for USD 232, including the installation of security fencing at all elementary schools and adding key card access points at exterior doors across the district.
“The projects will be completed in phases over a three-year period,” Cater said in an emailed statement to the Post. “Architects and the district’s construction manager are currently refining project plans and timelines for presentation to the Board of Education.”
Gibson said he’s looking forward to the projects and the benefits they will have on the students.
“We have an outstanding school district because of each member of our community — families, staff, students, and neighbors — who work together to support public education,” Gibson said. “Your (the voters) involvement reflects a shared commitment to our mission of preparing all students for their future through excellent, innovative learning opportunities with caring, dedicated, and passionate staff in a safe and secure environment.”
The last bond
Voters approved the last bond in 2018 for $85 million, passing with 72.4% or 5,063 votes, compared to the 27.6% or 1,931 votes against the bond.
That bond issue funded safety and security upgrades, technology, facility expansions, athletic improvements and the construction of Cedar Trails Exploration Center.
