Arkansas City School Bond Measures Pass, Pre-K Center Approved by Slim Margin
District secures $66.7 million for facility improvements including middle school renovations and new early childhood center
ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. — Arkansas City USD 470 voters approved both school bond propositions Tuesday, clearing the way for $66.7 million in facility improvements across the district. Proposition 1 passed decisively with 62.6% support, authorizing $52.7 million for middle school renovations, secure entrances at three schools, a storm shelter at Arkansas City Middle School, and infrastructure updates including heating, cooling and roofing systems at older buildings.
The more contentious Proposition 2 squeaked by with just 50.9% approval, winning by a mere 32 votes out of 1,794 cast. The $14 million measure will fund construction of a new nine-classroom Pre-K center and was contingent on the first proposition's passage. Both bond measures include 30% state aid to help offset local costs, and district officials say the improvements will focus on safety, security, early childhood education and critical infrastructure needs throughout USD 470 facilities.
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