Over the last several months, I have had the opportunity to engage with our community at public meetings, in face-to-face conversations, by phone, and on Facebook regarding Proposition GCR2, a no-tax-rate increase bond issue on the April 2 ballot. As a reminder, here are the bond projects that will be specifically listed on the ballot:
• Connect the Ag building to the high school so students can safely transition between classes while keeping the building secure at all times.
• Add career technical classrooms and expand programs for career tech sciences (auto, machinery, manufacturing, engineering, construction, etc.)
• Add fine arts classrooms to support our growing arts programs.
• Build a district auditorium and storm-safe shelter at the HS to accomodate approximately 600 patrons and 100+ student performers. This space will provide a much needed space for class and grade level meetings, building presentations, awards and induction ceremonies, middle school and elementary concerts and awards nights, and a community event space.
• Relocate the weight room to a larger and renovated space next to the main gym.
• Replace the bleachers in the HS main gym.
• Replace the turf and lighting at Dutchmen field.
• Replace the flooring, bleachers, and HVAC in the MS gym.
• Remodel the front hallway at GES to include a double lock entry to keep visitors from having immediate access to the building, add a handicap-accessible staff and student restroom, and update classroom spaces.
• Replace all security cameras and systems across the district in each of the four buildings. This will allow all cameras to be accessed by district administrators/law enforcement as needed.
Most of the questions/concerns come down to two main areas of interest: the financial impact to the district and the academic impact on students and teachers.
Is the bond issue a financially responsible investment?
In Missouri, debt service is the primary way districts can afford large-scale capital projects that are not part of the day-to-day operations or smaller capital projects. Over the last several years, GCR2 has used taxpayer money wisely to provide for day-to-day student learning needs, maintain our current facilities, and raise teacher pay $4,000 in the last three years; the district has used post-pandemic funds to invest in high-quality math and ELA resources and teacher training, all of this while maintaining a healthy reserve balance in case of emergency or recession. Now is the right time to pass this bond issue so that the district can continue to improve programs/facilities without having to raise taxes.
Since 2005, taxppayers in our district have been paying a debt service tax of $0.67/$100. To put it into perspective, individuals with $150,000 in personal property would pay $190.95 toward debt service (which works out to $16 a month). Over 95% of our community members pay their taxes fully and on time each and every year.
Will this bond improve student learning and performance?
Students learn when they feel safe and comfortable. This bond addresses safety and security concerns across the district and improves/adds facilities that will provide an environment conducive to high levels of learning.
Students learn when they are highly engaged. This bond will expand career-technical, fine arts, physical education, and athletic programs, and these are the types of programs that increase student engagement, one of the most significant factors in student learning. Multiple studies have shown that students involved in the arts and career-tech programs score higher on math and ELA assessments, and graduate at higher rates.
Students learn when they are taught by high-quality teachers. While bond monies can’t be used to increase salaries, using bond monies for these projects frees up operational funds to increase teacher salaries, provide high-quality professional development, and ensure teachers have what they need to help students succeed.
I am thankful to live in a community that is supportive of this district and so proud of a staff that provides an excellent education every day for our students. I encourage you to show your support on April 2 by voting for Proposition GCR2. Our kids deserve it.
Sincerely,
Staci Johnson
GCR2 Assistant Superintendent
