March 2026 Bond Election Information

The official ballot language is below:

Project No. 1. It is hereby deemed necessary and advisable to: (a) construct, furnish, and equip improvements, renovations and additions to the existing High School facility including new academic wing, auxiliary gym, career and technology labs, safety and security improvements, technology upgrades, HVAC, and electrical and roof improvements; (b) construct, furnish and equip safe and secure entrances at Lincoln Elementary and Roosevelt Elementary schools; (c) acquire and payoff the existing leases for HVAC/energy improvements and turf field and track facility; (d) make all other necessary improvements appurtenant thereto (“Project No. 1”); and pay costs of issuance and interest on the bonds during construction of Project No. 1, at an estimated cost of $62,500,000.

 

Project No. 2. It is also hereby deemed necessary and advisable to: (a) construct, furnish and equip improvements, renovations and additions to the existing Eisenhower Elementary School including secure entrance, gymnasium, and science and technology rooms in order to convert into a Middle School facility; (b) construct, furnish and equip improvements and renovations to Lincoln Elementary, Roosevelt Elementary, and Washington Elementary schools including infrastructure upgrades; (c) construct, furnish and equip restroom, concession and bleacher improvements at the existing High School; (d) make all other necessary improvements appurtenant thereto (“Project No. 2”); and pay costs of issuance and interest on the bonds during construction of Project No. 2, at an estimated cost of $27,000,000.

 

Our buildings are aging, and many systems are past their useful lifespan. Safety expectations have changed, and many spaces no longer support the way students learn today. Delaying action increases long-term costs and puts more pressure on aging facilities.

 

In several important ways:

 

This plan directly reflects what our community said the last plan did not address.

 

Presenting the bond in two questions allows voters to clearly see how needs are prioritized and how later improvements depend on the success of the first phase. While both questions reflect essential long-term needs, Question 1 is intentionally positioned as the starting point, with Question 2 contingent upon its passage.

 

• Utility costs
• Staffing overhead
• Maintenance expenses
• Major system failures
• Long-term capital needs

A brand-new middle school would require significantly more money (more than twice the amount) without improving educational outcomes more than this plan. Instead, we repurpose and expand Eisenhower—the district’s newest and most efficient building—saving millions in construction and long-term operating costs.

 

Why was the Eisenhower site picked?
The idea to use the Eisenhower site as the new Middle School came directly from community input during our community committee meetings. The idea quickly gained traction because the Eisenhower site is the only property in the district that has enough space to renovate for a new middle school. It is also located next to the existing Grant sports complex, which creates an opportunity for continued partnership with the McPherson Recreation Commission to provide athletic facilities for the middle school students without building additional spaces. 

 

Once the Eisenhower campus is completed and home to the Middle School, the old Middle School campus will be taken offline, creating major operational savings.

 

How will transportation be handled? Many students currently walk to the middle school because it is centrally located. 
The district is actively reviewing transportation needs to ensure that all students have a safe way to get to school. The district currently operates an in-town bus route to support students and, as the process continues, we will look at this route to see how it needs to be adjusted to meet the changing needs.

 

Deferred maintenance would cost tens of millions and still would not:

Why does the High School plan include another auxiliary gym?

 

The plans mention CTE and technology labs. What will that entail?

The plan represents dollars allocated for these projects, but the exact scope and details will be determined during the design phase in partnership with the building staff in these departments. The goal will be to ensure that current programs and pathways have the spaces and equipment to thrive and also evaluate any additional or future needs so the building is truly future-ready.

 

 

The $3.5 million for Elementary Building Updates is intended for district-wide improvements at all three elementary schools, focused on deferred maintenance and learning-environment upgrades, not new construction.

 

Specific projects will be finalized during design based on building needs and staff input. Examples of improvements may include acoustical enhancements, replacement of worn carpet and interior finishes, and other targeted updates that improve classroom comfort, durability, and functionality.

 

All work will be prioritized to extend the life of the buildings, support student learning, and use bond funds responsibly.