Research has shown us that students learn best in
quality educational environments. The district is fortunate to have a community
that has provided it with the ability to build outstanding school buildings to
provide a place for our students to learn and grow. With more than half of the
district’s buildings more than 20 years old, maintaining those facilities can
be a challenge. It is the goal of the district to use tax-payer dollars wisely;
making vital updates to district buildings and protecting tax-payers’ prior
investment. Just as homeowners must commit to maintaining their homes, the
district must do the same.
Some of these important improvements included in
this bond election include upgrading and replacing aged HVAC systems, taking
care of exterior needs, including masonry and replacement of aged windows and
doors, replacing aged lighting fixtures, ceilings and retractable walls,
upgrading bathrooms, and improving specialized instructional space. In
addition, this bond would involve improvements at the district’s activity
centers, which would include converting some of the grass fields to synthetic
fields so the facilities can handle the wear and tear of use by a fifth high
school.
The Olathe Board of Education unanimously voted to
move forward with a $244.8 million bond election at a special meeting on
Monday, March 25. Registered voters who live within the Olathe School District
boundaries will be able to vote in a June mail-in election that would help the
district address its growth, safety and security, technology, and aging
facility needs. This would be a no-tax-increase bond issue.
Voters will have between May 22 and June 11 to vote
on a $244.8 million bond issue to address these district needs. Projects within
this no-tax-increase bond proposal would touch every school in the district.
Additional information including a project list, important dates and voter
registration information about the bond election can be found by going to www.olatheschools.com/bond2013.
