Editor’s note: This article has been updated to correct information regarding the majority needed to pass the measure.
In less than five weeks, voters in the Green Ridge R-VIII School District will be asked to go to the polls Aug. 8 to approve a no tax increase bond issue to maintain and improve district facilities.
If voters approve the measure, the current debit service levy would remain the same at $0.3928 for every $100 of assessed value on property, according to Green Ridge Superintendent Jamie Burkhart.
The no tax increase bond issue would generate approximately $835,000 for capital improvements within the district over a period of seven years.
“The no tax increase bond issue is to assist the school district in maintaining and improving district facilities,” Burkhart said. “The community has completed several surveys over the past few years and these are improvements suggested by school district and community members.”
Based on community input, the purpose of the funds as they appear on the August ballot will be to remodel restrooms in the elementary wing and near the cafeteria, complete interior building improvements at the library, upgrade the outdoor athletic fields, replace the gym floor, build a new parking lot across the street in front of the school, demolish the current maintenance building and construct, equip and furnish a new maintenance facility, convert the garage area of the superintendent’s building into a new weight room, and, to the extent funds are available, complete other repairs and improvements to the existing facilities of the district.
“Restrooms have been a common complaint for a number of years and upgrades to them are desired,” Burkhart said. “The library improvements will ensure that roof leaks are fixed and opportunities for a 21st century media center are created.
“The old maintenance building will be demolished, opening up more parking for patrons,” she added. “A new bus barn and maintenance building will be constructed across the street from the school, and new parking areas in this area will provide the community with many more places to park for events, as parking is not sufficient at this time.”
The district will also see improvements to their existing facilities if the measure is approved.
The school district has entered into a lease with the Parks and Recreation Board for their athletic fields for $1, according to Burkhart.
“If the voters approve the bond issue, the district will install lights at these fields,” Burkhart commented. “The gym floor can no longer be refinished and must be replaced and the garage area of the superintendent’s building will become a new weight room as the district vans can be housed in the new maintenance building/bus barn.
“As Green Ridge R-VIII School District’s greatest financing amount through issuing of bonds is $2,17 million over a payment period of 20 years, it is not possible or feasible to ever build a new school,” Burkhart commented. “It is essential for the district to bring no tax increase bond issues to the voters in order to maintain and improve their facilities.”
According to Pettis County Clerk and Election Authority Nick La Strada, the measure will require a two-thirds majority for passage.
Individuals who are not registered to vote have until July 12 to do so for the Aug. 8 election.
“We are excited for the opportunities that these renovations and upgrades will bring to our district and our community,” Burkhart said. “The community support of the schools and its staff and students is demonstrated in so many ways. We are blessed to be able to serve such a great community.”
Patrons with questions regarding the no tax bond issue may contact Burkhart at 660-527-3315 or speak to any Green Ridge R-VIII board member.
