The Wording

SCHOOL BOND ELECTION
CASS COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 0056
(CONESTOGA PUBLIC SCHOOLS)
IN THE STATE OF NEBRASKA
TUESDAY, MAY 14, 2024

       "Shall Cass County School District 0056 (Conestoga Public Schools) in the State of Nebraska issue its bonds in a total principal amount not to exceed $33,000,000 for the purposes of financing the costs of:
• Improving safety and security at each of the existing elementary and junior/senior high school buildings including, but not limited to, constructing secured entrances and storm shelters;
• Improving existing classrooms, restrooms and other areas for students with disabilities within the junior/senior high school building;
• Constructing additions to and renovations of the junior/senior school building including, but not limited to, general classrooms, career and technical education classrooms, and related site improvements;
• Constructing additions to and renovations of the elementary school building including, but not limited to, general classrooms and related site improvements; and 
• Purchasing certain necessary equipment, furniture and apparatus for such buildings and
additions;

said bonds to be issued from time to time, to be sold at such prices, to bear interest at such rates, to become due at such times, and to have such other terms and provisions, all as may be fixed and determined by the Board of Education of the District; and

       "Shall the District cause to be levied and collected annually a special levy of taxes against all the taxable property in the District sufficient in rate and amount to pay the principal of, the premium, if any, and the interest on said bonds as the same become due?"

(   )   FOR said bonds and tax

(   )   AGAINST said bonds and tax

Qualified electors voting in favor of said proposition shall blacken the oval opposite the words "FOR said bonds and tax" following said proposition, and qualified electors voting against said proposition shall blacken the oval opposite the words "AGAINST said bonds and tax" following said proposition.

Our Explanation

As in most school bond issues, the scenario usually goes through a 7-step process.  However, for this situation, a little history should be reported.

In 2020, a $15.2 million bond issue failed with 50.5% against it.

In 2021, a $33.6 million bond issue failed with 51.3% against it.

In 2022, a $29.5 million bond issue failed with 50.4% against it.

In 2023, two separate propositions also failed, the $39 million failing with 50.9% against; the $6.2 million failed with 54% against.

1. The district recognizes both needs and wants in seeking to improve education.
2. Research is done involving community input as well as connecting with architects and construction firms to identify estimated costs.
3. The Board of Education votes to put the request on the ballot. (February 28, 2024)
4. The district puts together presentations to explain the needs and wants.
5. The Voters decide if they are willing to commit to the increase in taxes to pay for the needs and wants.
6.  If passed, the District borrows money using the bonding system.
7.  For the next 20 or so years, additional property tax is collected to pay back both the principal and the interest on those bonds.

#1 - Specifically for the Conestoga District, the needs and wants fall into the main categories of:

Improve safety and security:  secure entrances, storm shelters, ADA compliant restrooms, fire sprinkler systems, improved ventilation

Enhance Educational Opportunities for all students: Life Skills classroom for students with disabilities, additional classrooms at all levels, renovated science classrooms, renovated/expanded career and technical education classrooms, fine arts improvements    

#2- The survey conducted in February 2024 scored "good teachers" as the highest of what they "like most".  85% thought the facilities meet today's needs, though the biggest percentage stated lack of funding as a serious issue.  Opposition to parts of the bond were strongest against locker rooms in the elementary schools, kitchen/cafeteria expansion, and new high school classrooms.  Most valued were safety and security enhancements and skilled and technical trades facilities.

#5 – Voting “yes” means the district is obligated to pay the bonds so the needed and desired improvements can happen.  Voting “no” means the district will need to reassess needs and wants to determine which priorities to follow using current resources.

#6 – The amount of money to be borrowed is up to $33,000,000.

#7 – The impact on taxes is estimated to be $250/year for a house valued at $100,000.  For agricultural land of that value, impact would be $10.42/month.  The current indebtedness is NOT from any bonds!  In order to replace the aging (1978) HVAC system, the district borrowed money in a Quality Capital Purpose Undertaking Fund loan - or QCPUF.  State law allows districts to take out a loan without voter permission as long as it is less than 3 cents of the levy.

Those who support the bond agree with the district on the needs and wants – especially in expanding what the schools can offer in trades training.  They point out the uptick of student enrollments, especially with regard to the 19% increase in special needs students. Delaying the process would create more cost for doing it later as costs of construction rise.

Some who oppose the bond would like to not spend that much money all at once, preferring to let the increase in property valuations be enough to keep things going and maybe save the money ahead, gathering interest, instead of borrowing and having to pay interest.

A "For" vote would authorize borrowing $33 million and committing the taxpayers to repay the debt.

An "Against" vote would mean the status of the schools buildings' conditions would remain the same.