North Kansas City Schools bond issue would fund performing arts center, school renovations

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - With the April 8 election coming up, KCTV5 is highlighting the major bond issues that will appear on voter ballots in the Kansas City area.

Voters in the North Kansas City Schools district will decide on a $175 million bond issue for a performing arts center, school renovations and more. It is a “zero tax increase bond issue,” meaning that taxes would not be raised, but rather voters would decide the school district borrowing money for a capital project.

The ballot language reads:

Shall North Kansas City School District 74, Clay County, Missouri, issue its general obligation bonds in the amount of $175,000,000 for the purpose of acquiring land and acquiring, constructing, repairing, improving, extending, remodeling, renovating, furnishing and equipping new and existing school facilities, including acquiring buildings, improvements, furnishings and equipment now leased to the District, and acquiring school buses and other transportation equipment?

Approval of this question is expected to result in zero increase of the District’s current debt service tax levy, which is estimated not to exceed the current debt service levy of $1.3085 per one hundred dollars of assessed valuation of real and personal property.

• YES
• NO

The school district listed the following projects should the bond issue pass:

• Fine & Performing Arts Renovations: New performing arts additions to Oak Park and Winnetonka will expand opportunities for students in several areas including theater, choir, band, orchestra, and more. Existing spaces will be renovated to provide for additional classrooms and arts spaces. The new PAC will also serve as a hub for feeder pattern events, providing a common space that welcomes all future Northmen and Griffins. 
• Major Renovations at Middle Schools: Extensive renovations will benefit Northgate and New Mark, including the addition of a new gym and high-wind shelter at each building, providing additional space for students and community use. At New Mark, a renovated library space will welcome students, while accessibility improvements will be made at Northgate. Both schools will see extensive flooring, paint and lighting updates. Renovations throughout the buildings will improve many aspects of the middle school experience for our 7th and 8th-grade students.
• Facility Upgrades: Oakwood Manor will get a brand-new gym, plus updated finishes like lighting, paint and flooring throughout the school. Phase one also includes new storage facilities, replacement of rooftop A/C units, various maintenance projects, and plans to purchase the Northland Innovation Center, saving funds long-term and providing additional space for district programming. 

For more questions about the bond issue, click here.

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