5 takeaways from USD 373 school board meeting
July 14, 2025
Newton School Board Considers $50 Million Bond for Facility Upgrades
The Newton Board of Education is weighing a significant bond issue to address aging facilities, with discussion centering on a $50 million package financed over 20 years. During a presentation by Steve Shogren of Stifel Public Finance, the board reviewed several options, including a $32.14 million bond with no tax increase and a larger $60 million proposal.
The proposed $50 million bond would result in a net mill levy increase of 4.66 mills. For the owner of a $100,000 home, this would translate to an additional $53.55 in property taxes annually, or about $4.46 per month. Superintendent Fred Van Ranken endorsed the $50 million figure as a "reasonable" amount that would allow the district to make substantial progress on deferred maintenance without being an excessive burden on taxpayers, noting that even with the increase, Newton's overall mill levy would remain below the average for peer districts in the region. The board aims to finalize the bond amount at its July 28 meeting.
Board Sets Aggressive Timeline for March 2026 Bond Election
The district is targeting a March 3, 2026, election for its potential multi-million dollar bond issue. Financial advisors presented a detailed calendar that would require the board to formally adopt a resolution to hold the election by its October 13 meeting.
A key factor driving the accelerated timeline is the state's "bond cap," which limits the total value of school bonds that can qualify for state aid each fiscal year. With several large districts in Kansas potentially applying for funds, there is a risk that Newton's project could be delayed if the cap is exhausted. The board discussed the possibility of forgoing an estimated $219,000 in state aid to ensure the election could proceed without delay, arguing that a year's delay due to the cap could add over $1.5 million in inflationary costs to the project, far outweighing the lost aid.
Financial and Architectural Firms Hired for Potential Bond Project
In a key step toward a 2026 bond referendum, the Board of Education unanimously approved hiring Stifel Public Finance as the bond underwriter and Schaefer Architecture as the architect of record for the potential project. Superintendent Fred Van Ranken recommended both firms, citing long-standing, positive relationships with the district.
Stifel has worked with the district on financing for over 30 years and presented the financial options for the current proposal. Shader Architecture was involved in the district's recent facilities assessment and is utilized for most projects requiring state-approved drawings. The board's approval formalizes the professional team that will guide the district through the planning and execution of the proposed facility improvements.
Superintendent to Appoint Citizen Committee for Bond Planning
To facilitate community input on a potential 2026 bond, the Board of Education authorized Superintendent Fred Van Ranken to form a superintendent-appointed committee. This "small bond group" will be tasked with prioritizing specific projects—such as roof replacements, HVAC upgrades, and science lab renovations—within the final budget set by the board.
The group will consist of about a dozen community members, with an architect serving as an advisor. By structuring it as a superintendent-appointed body rather than a board-appointed one, the group can meet more flexibly without being subject to legislative requirements for official public notice, allowing it to "rock and roll" once the bond cap is set.
School Meal Prices to Increase by 25 Cents
Citing inflationary pressures and rising food costs, the Board of Education approved an increase in school meal prices for the 2025-26 school year. The price for student lunches and most breakfasts will go up by $0.25. The board waived a second reading of the proposal to approve it immediately. Applications for the free and reduced meal program, which also require a consent for disclosure form, are now available on the district's website and at the district office.
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