The Crawford County R-1 Board of Education met on Dec. 18 to pass a bond resolution for the April 7, 2026, ballot.

The resolution was passed with a 7-0 vote to finalize ballot language for an $8 million bond. 

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 property tax levy is $0.9350 per $100 of assessed valuation of real and personal property.

Superintendent Brian Witt sent out a press release about the bond resolution.

“A key item of the evening was approval of the general obligation bond ballot language and the resolution to place the measure on the April 2026 ballot,” said Witt.

The action moves the district forward with planning for facilities, safety improvements and learning spaces. 

“The board’s decision reflects months of community input, careful study, and discussion,” 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.

“This bond issue allows us to continue improving learning environments without raising the tax rate. It’s an investment in safety, comfort and long-term sustainability for our students and staff,” said Witt previously.

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

In other business, Witt shared several updates with the board.

The district submitted its Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP) Cycle 2 Review to the state supervisor. 

“The review reflects work completed during the 2024–25 school year and ongoing implementation for 2025–26, including data use, Multi-tiered Systems of Sustained Support (MTSS) practices, professional development, safety initiatives, and stakeholder engagement,” said Witt.

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