School Board Delays Elementary Closure Decision, Advances Bond Planning
Board sets $1.75 million savings target but declines to name building for repurposing until facility plan finalized
Board considers two-question bond ballot strategy
Special meeting set to finalize bond language
Survey data shows conditional support for facilities plan
Plan targets 'price sensitivity' after previous bond failures
Board weighs cutting elementary storm shelters to bolster maintenance
Athletic facility upgrades moved to second ballot question
Debate intensifies over 'money pit' middle school
Board approves $1.75 million in operational budget cuts
Decision to close Eisenhower Elementary stalls in split vote
Transportation logistics complicate school closure plans
Board considers two-question bond ballot strategy
MCPHERSON, Kan. - In an effort to avoid the failures of previous bond attempts, the McPherson Unified School District 418 Board of Education discussed presenting a split-question ballot to voters this coming spring. The project architect recommended placing a "mill levy neutral" base plan as Question 1, which would address high school renovations and elementary security without raising taxes, while placing a second question on the ballot for additional projects, including the middle school conversion, which would incur a tax increase of approximately $9.10 per month for the average homeowner. The board reached a general consensus that a two-question approach would allow voters to support essential repairs even if they reject the larger financial ask.
USD 418 has experienced three failed school bond votes in recent years. The first, on June 8, 2021, proposed $112.8 million across two ballot questions for upgrades like secure entrances, HVAC systems, a new middle school, and high school renovations while preserving historic elements, plus redirecting existing sales tax revenue; it failed decisively with about 32-68% for the bond (1,179 yes to 2,487 no) and 34-66% for the tax shift (1,101 yes to 2,132 no), with around 3,700 voters turning out. The second, on May 9, 2023, scaled back to $88.5 million focusing on a new academic wing at the high school and district-wide maintenance; it narrowly lost 47-53% (1,300 yes to 1,486 no) with over 28% turnout, failing at all polling sites. The third, on November 7, 2023, repeated the $88.5 million proposal for high school replacement and improvements but was rejected 46-54% (1,842 yes to 2,149 no) despite delayed counting from equipment issues.
Special meeting set to finalize bond language
MCPHERSON, Kan. - With a statutory deadline approaching, the board confirmed a special meeting for Dec. 8 to finalize the specific language for the bond resolution. The board must adopt a resolution by Dec. 10 to place the issue on the upcoming ballot. This upcoming meeting is expected to include a final vote on the elementary school closure and the definitive wording of the two ballot questions, following a week of review for board members to process the financial and logistical data presented.
Survey data shows conditional support for facilities plan
MCPHERSON, Kan. - Recent scientific polling suggests 57 percent of the community supports the general long-range facilities plan, though support drops when specific dollar amounts are attached. The survey revealed that the community’s highest priorities are "creating the best and highest educational experience" and ensuring "safe and effective learning environments" rather than specific building projects. However, the data also highlighted a "psychological threshold" regarding tax increases, reinforcing the board's strategy to keep the primary bond question mill levy neutral.
Plan targets 'price sensitivity' after previous bond failures
MCPHERSON, Kan. - Architects and board members analyzed data from recent phone surveys indicating that the failure of the last two bond issues, which were rejected by 47 percent of voters, was driven largely by price sensitivity. The previous proposals carried a tax impact of roughly $240 per year, whereas the new comprehensive plan is projected to cost the median homeowner approximately $109 per year. The board hopes that reducing the annual tax impact by more than 50 percent while addressing all grade levels will make the proposal palatable to voters who previously voted "no."
Board weighs cutting elementary storm shelters to bolster maintenance
MCPHERSON, Kan. – To keep a planned bond package at roughly $89.5 million while addressing more basic needs, the Board discussed dropping proposed elementary storm shelters from the project list. Architect Dwayne Cash said eliminating the shelters — estimated at about $4.2 million — would free up money to tackle deferred maintenance, particularly roof work and other core building systems that have been underfunded. He noted community feedback has stressed longevity, cost efficiency, and maintaining existing buildings over add-ons. Several board members voiced support for that trade-off, saying taxpayers are more likely to back a plan that prioritizes roofs, maintenance, and safety/security upgrades than storm shelters the community never specifically requested.
Athletic facility upgrades moved to second ballot question
MCPHERSON, Kan. - In response to community feedback identifying academic spaces and safety as top priorities, the board discussed moving athletic upgrades—including a concession stand, restrooms and bleachers—to the second, tax-increasing ballot question. While members agreed that restrooms at the stadium are a necessity, they acknowledged that including sports facilities in the base bond question could jeopardize the passage of critical academic renovations. The board debated the possibility of fundraising for some athletic amenities separately but agreed that lease purchase payoffs and maintenance took precedence in the primary bond question.
Debate intensifies over 'money pit' middle school
MCPHERSON, Kan. - One board member argued vehemently for the immediate need to close the current middle school, citing a potential annual savings of $1.5 million in operating costs. The member described the current facility as a financial liability and pushed for a contingency plan should the bond measure fail, fearing the district would be "saddled" with the inefficient building for several more years. The proposed long-range plan involves converting Eisenhower Elementary School into a new middle school for approximately $19 million, a figure significantly lower than the estimated $45 million required to build a new facility from scratch.
Board approves $1.75 million in operational budget cuts
MCPHERSON, Kan. - The board voted unanimously (7-0) to establish a district savings target of $1.75 million to guide staff and operational adjustments needed for the 2026-27 school year transition. Superintendent Shiloh Vincent and board members noted that regardless of the upcoming bond election results, the district must "right-size" its operations due to financial constraints. This reduction will likely be achieved through a combination of staff reductions and the closure or repurposing of district facilities.
Decision to close Eisenhower Elementary stalls in split vote
MCPHERSON, Kan. - A motion to officially designate Eisenhower Elementary School as the facility to be repurposed for the 2026-27 school year failed to pass, resulting in the board tabling the discussion until Dec. 8. While the board generally agreed on the necessity of moving from four elementary schools to three to achieve operational efficiency, members were divided on officially naming Eisenhower Elementary as the closure site without further review of pros and cons. A motion to designate the school failed with a 3-4 vote, as dissenting members requested more time to digest data regarding class sizes and logistics before finalizing the decision.
Transportation logistics complicate school closure plans
MCPHERSON, Kan. - Board members raised concerns regarding the logistical and financial impact of closing Eisenhower Elementary School, the district's northernmost school, and bussing students to central locations. One board member described the potential closure as a "huge impact" on families, noting the challenges of transporting students during inclement weather and the potential need for additional bus routes and drivers in a district already facing staffing shortages. The administration acknowledged that a full logistical study would be required to map out new boundaries and transportation needs if the closure proceeds.
Greg Loving
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