Crawford County R-1 School Board of Education is in the process of filing an $8 million no-tax increase bond issue for the April 7 election. 

The district is working on filing the ballot language with Crawford County election authorities so that the question for the bond can be placed on the ballot.

Crawford R-1 Superintendent Brian Witt gave an update about the district’s progress with the bond.

“The board has already identified and agreed upon the major projects included in the proposed bond. Over the coming months, the board will continue refining the prioritization and scope of the smaller projects to ensure the district is being fiscally responsible while addressing the most critical needs,” said Witt.

Witt provided a copy of the ballot language question that voters will decide on: Shall the Crawford County R-1 School District issue its general obligation bonds in the amount of $8,000,000, estimated to result in no increase to the District’s debt service property tax levy, for the purpose of acquiring, constructing, improving, repairing, renovating, furnishing and equipping school sites and facilities, including safety and security improvements, repairing and replacing roofs and HVAC systems, making renovations to District facilities, upgrading playground facilities at the Elementary School and Middle School, and site improvements to parking lots? If this question is approved, the District’s debt service property tax levy is estimated to remain unchanged at $0.9350 per $100 of assessed valuation of real and personal property.

The Board of Education met on Dec. 18 and passed an $8 million bond resolution with a 7-0 vote for the April ballot.

If approved, the bond would result in a no-tax-increase bond issue to the district’s debt service property tax levy. If passed, the bond would fund projects for facility improvements, such as repairing and replacing roofs and HVAC systems. It would also fund renovations to district facilities, including upgrading playground facilities at the Bourbon Elementary School and making site improvements to the Bourbon Middle School parking lot. 

The district’s current debt service tax levy is $0.9350 per $100 of assessed valuation of real and personal property.

“No bond or project commitments will move forward unless voters approve the bond issue in April,” said Witt.

The district sent out surveys to students, staff and community members to help guide planning for future projects. Several items were mentioned as a result of the survey. 

The roofs and ceilings at the elementary and high school buildings were a top concern. Families and staff highlighted HVAC issues and showed a priority towards the gymnasium because temperature has become an issue for students and spectators.

The board continues to work with architectural partners at KRJ Architecture to further prepare plans for the projects.

The bond will need to pass by a four-sevenths vote (57.14 percent) to become official. 

The next board of education meeting is at 6 p.m. on Jan. 22 in the Bourbon High School Board Room.