School Board Sets March Bond Election

School board sets March 3 date for bond election

Two-question ballot structured with contingency

Survey data indicates lack of support for tax increase

Architect unveils plans for high school renovation

Long-range plan adopts future 6-8 middle school model

Board votes to close Eisenhower as elementary school

District aims for operational savings through consolidation

Digital town hall reveals trust and safety concerns

School board sets March 3 date for bond election

MCPHERSON, Kan. - The McPherson USD 418 Board of Education unanimously approved a resolution Monday night to place a bond issue on the ballot for a special election on March 3, 2026. The measure includes two questions totaling approximately $89.5 million, with Question One structured as a mill rate neutral bond that utilizes expiring debt to fund improvements without raising the current mill levy. Superintendent Shiloh Vincent and board members emphasized that the spring election date allows the district to finalize budgets for the upcoming fiscal year based on the results.

Two-question ballot structured with contingency

MCPHERSON, Kan. - McPherson voters will face a two-question ballot in March totaling approximately $89.5 million, structured with a contingency: Question Two can only be adopted if Question One is also approved by a majority of voters. Question One, valued at approximately $62.5 million, is designed as a mill rate neutral measure that focuses on high-priority safety and facility needs. This includes constructing and equipping safe and secure entrances at Lincoln and Roosevelt schools, as well as funding extensive renovations and renewal of the High School. The project would build a new academic wing to replace the existing hexagon portion of the building, provide mechanical updates throughout the building, address security concerns, and perform site improvements to support improved drainage.

The second question would ask voters for an additional $27 million, requiring a 4.75 mill levy increase, to convert the Eisenhower Elementary School campus into a middle school and fund safety updates across the district. This would result in a tax increase of approximately $9.10 per month for a home valued at $200,000. While Question One secures the immediate high school and safety improvements, Question Two provides the necessary funding to finalize the district-wide consolidation and efficiency strategy aimed at reducing long-term operating costs.

Survey data indicates lack of support for tax increase

MCPHERSON, Kan. - Dr. Jaret Tomlinson, of ExcellenceK12, presented survey data to the board indicating that the community would likely vote down any bond proposal requiring a tax increase. The survey, which included 550 completed responses, showed that while residents highly value the quality of education and safety in the district, "I don't know" was the second most common response regarding facility needs, suggesting a need for better communication. Dr. Tomlinson advised the board that a project priced around $60 million with no tax increase had the highest probability of passing.

Architect unveils plans for high school renovation

MCPHERSON, Kan. - Duane Cash presented the finalized concept for McPherson High School, which balances new construction with the preservation of existing assets. The plan calls for retaining the Roundhouse and the Performing Arts Center, citing the significant community investment in those structures. The proposal includes building a new academic wing to replace the existing hexagon portion of the building, providing mechanical updates throughout the building, addressing security concerns, and performing site improvements to support improved drainage. The project also addresses long-standing flooding issues on the campus.

Long-range plan adopts future 6-8 middle school model

MCPHERSON, Kan. - The board unanimously approved the district's official long-range facility plan, which outlines a shift toward a dedicated grades 6-8 middle school model, with the potential to eventually expand to a 5-8 center. The plan identifies the Eisenhower Elementary campus as the site for this future middle school, capitalizing on the building's existing layout which separates wings effectively for different age groups. Architects noted that converting Eisenhower is significantly more cost-effective than building a new middle school facility from scratch.

Board votes to close Eisenhower as elementary school

MCPHERSON, Kan. - The board approved a motion to transition the district from four elementary schools to three, beginning in the 2026-2027 school year. As part of the restructuring, Eisenhower Elementary will eventually be repurposed into a middle school, while Lincoln, Washington and Roosevelt will remain as the district's elementary facilities. The motion passed 6-0, with one board member abstaining. Board members acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, noting that while Lincoln Elementary was identified as the most fiscally logical closure candidate, the long-term strategic value of the Eisenhower facility for a future middle school configuration drove the final decision.

District aims for operational savings through consolidation

MCPHERSON, Kan. - The facility plan approved Monday is designed to help the district meet a savings target of $1.75 million. By reducing the number of elementary schools from four to three and eventually consolidating middle school services, the district aims to lower annual operating costs through improved efficiency. Presenters noted that running fewer, modernized buildings would reduce energy consumption and maintenance backlogs, freeing up general fund dollars for educational purposes rather than facility upkeep.

Digital town hall reveals trust and safety concerns

MCPHERSON, Kan. - A district facilitator presented results from a "ThoughtExchange" digital town hall that garnered 832 participants and more than 700 comments. The data analysis identified three top priorities for the community: safety and security, educational quality and facility maintenance. The presenter noted that while there is strong engagement, there is also a recurring theme of "negative sentiment" regarding trust and transparency across various demographic groups, urging the board to focus on rebuilding community confidence through clear communication.

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