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USD 379 board authorizes bond resolution and begins prioritizing $2.2M in project requests
Summary
The Unified School District No. 379 board approved a resolution authorizing the issuance of 2026 general‑obligation bonds and began prioritizing potential bond and capital‑outlay projects, from LED lighting and security upgrades to ADA track access and storm‑shelter conversions. Board members were asked to prioritize roughly $2.2 million in conceptual project 'value.'
The Unified School District No. 379 board moved forward on district capital planning on May 11, approving a resolution authorizing the issuance of series 2026 general‑obligation bonds and beginning the process of prioritizing additional projects to include with bond work.
Staff told trustees the district expects roughly $700,000 in bond premium and additional carryover that, together with annual budgeted funds, could allow the district to add projects to the bond scope. The board received high‑level maps and preliminary cost ranges from pre‑construction partners HTK and Nat Hols; staff said they aim to finalize selections by July so design and pre‑construction work can fit into an October timeline.
“We have about an additional 700,000 in bond premium,” a staff presenter said, and staff asked the board to use provided “sticker” prioritization envelopes (representing roughly $2.2 million of project value) to help identify which items should rise to the top.
Trustees and partners reviewed site‑level items including rooftop and gym repairs, LED lighting upgrades, security entry/card‑reader installations and Wi‑Fi for the football field, stair lifts and shower/stall renovations, and smaller options such as point‑of‑use hot‑water heaters for nurse offices. On the football field and athletic facilities, staff recommended networked card readers and a wireless bridge to the building; an estimate that included Wi‑Fi and card readers was discussed at about $85,000. On safety, board members discussed protective netting for bleacher seating but were warned a full coverage solution could cost “hundreds of thousands” and that a limited scope protecting seated fans was more feasible.
Staff stressed these are preliminary, high‑level estimates and that more precise pricing would follow once the board selects priority items. “This is a starting point,” a staff presenter said, asking trustees to select items for refinement and design work; staff said final decisions would allow partners to set guaranteed maximum prices (GMPs) and schedule work through pay applications during construction.
Votes at a glance - Motion: Approve Resolution 05‑11‑2026 authorizing issuance, sale and delivery of general‑obligation bonds, series 2026, Unified School District No. 379, Clay County, Kansas. Motion made and seconded; transcript records the motion and second but not a roll‑call tally. (Mover/second not specified in the transcript.)
What happens next Staff asked trustees to return prioritization choices in the coming month and said that, after board selections, partners would refine design and pricing and bring updated estimates and schedules back to the board for further action.
