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Osage City board debates splitting bond; middle school and early-childhood projects divide members
Summary
Board members debated whether to combine middle-school renovations and an early-childhood center into a single November bond or present separate ballot questions, discussing an $18 million alternate plan, potential sales-tax options, and the possibility of Jones Foundation support to reduce voter burden.
The Osage City School Board held an extended discussion of a feasibility study and possible bond measures, weighing options for middle-school renovations and an early-childhood center. One alternate plan (referred to as Option C) was presented with an estimated cost of about $18,000,000 that would meet many original project goals while omitting a second floor above the old gym to reduce cost. Board members debated which project the district should prioritize.
Discussion covered financing mechanics (state-aid differences from previous bonds, possible local sales-tax support, and lease-purchase or capital-outlay options). "I say we focus on the middle school and making sure that the middle school, and all that comes with it is taken care of," one board member stated, arguing for long-term renovation priorities. Other members argued the early-childhood center would impact every student in the district and urged seeking a commitment from the Jones Foundation to help the early-childhood question pass if the items are split on the ballot. The board discussed splitting the November ballot into separate questions (early childhood; middle school) and agreed to aim for a final decision in June, and to pursue further work with the architect and finance partner (Piper Sandler) and the Jones Foundation.
