The Shawnee Mission School District could have a bond election in the coming months, Superintendent Jim Hinson told the school board Monday night. Hinson said a facilities review committee is close to completing its work and that he might have a recommendation as early as next month for capital projects that would require the district to issue bonds.
The last bond issue that went to the voters was in 2004 and before that it was 1994. The election for a new bond would likely be in 2015. The school also will need voter approval next year to keep the additional two percent authority for the local option budget that was included in the school finance bill. Hinson said it is possible those elections could be held at the same time.
Among probable projects to be financed by a general obligation bond issue would be the rebuild of potentially five or more elementary schools; a completion of the safety and security upgrades that are being made at each district school; upgrades to the little theaters at the high schools; HVAC replacements (the 1994 bond issue air conditioned schools); roof, curb and gutter repairs; technology purchases (Apple project) for the remaining elementary students who did not receive iPads this year; and collaborative learning spaces at the high schools.
The facilities committee started by looking at an 2011-12 committee report and has been bringing it up to date. Recently, the committee has toured facilities at other schools, including some with aquatic centers.
The capital outlay budget for this school year, which is part of the annual budget process, includes money for construction of a new administration center for the schools and the rebuild of one elementary school.
