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Belton School superintendent outlines $58 million bond, says levy would not increase
Summary
Dr. Andrew Underwood presented a $58 million bond for Belton School District to the council, saying the levy would remain unchanged by extending debt life; the plan focuses on elementary flexible spaces, career‑tech expansions, early‑education growth and infrastructure repairs.
Dr. Andrew Underwood, superintendent of the Belton School District, presented a $58 million bond proposal to the City Council and asked that the city help inform voters ahead of the April 7 ballot.
Underwood said the measure would not raise the current levy because the district would extend the life of its debt—"if you have a 15‑year mortgage ... we’re extending that out to 25 or 30 years," he said—so annual payments remain similar but allow funding for projects. The bond would fund four pillars: updated elementary classrooms with flexible seating, expansion of career and technical education at the Yokum site (metal shop, cosmetology, HVAC and drone/JROTC programs), early‑childhood expansion to add roughly 150 preschool slots to address waitlists, and deferred maintenance such as plumbing, rooftop repairs and turf replacement (current turf about 16 years old; typical life 7–10 years).
Underwood said the district has paid down over $2 million in principal in the past year and emphasized the district’s desire to present clear information to voters. He noted voter registration deadlines and early‑voting windows relevant to the April 7 election and offered printed flyers and a district magazine to be mailed in the coming weeks.
Council members thanked the superintendent and asked clarifying questions about program priorities and timing. No formal city action was required at the meeting; the presentation was informational and timed to coincide with the school board’s outreach to residents prior to the election.
