USD 418 Board Eyes $89.5M Split Bond Proposal Amid Budget Crisis
Board faces December 1 deadline to finalize bond language as district confronts $1.75 million shortfall and potential elementary school closure
MCPHERSON, Kan. — The USD 418 Board of Education moved closer to a spring bond election Monday night, reviewing an $89.5 million two-question proposal designed to address critical facility needs while responding to community concerns about tax increases. The special meeting, held November 25 at the district office, also revealed significant budget challenges that could result in the elimination of 20 to 30 staff positions and the closure of one elementary school.
Two-Question Bond Structure Emerges
Architect Joel Cash presented a draft long-range facility plan that splits the district's facility needs into two ballot questions. The first question, valued at $62.5 million, would fund a new academic wing at McPherson High School and the demolition of the aging "Hexagon" building without increasing the current tax levy. A 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.
The structure reflects data from a phone survey of 550 residents conducted by ExcellenceK12, which showed 65 percent support for a no-tax-increase bond option. Support dropped significantly for proposals requiring tax hikes, with a comprehensive $160 million new high school plan receiving only 35 percent support.
The November 25 meeting was the second of two special sessions focused on facilities planning and bond preparation, following the board's October 27 study session and its regular November 10 meeting.
citizen journal will provide coverage of the December 1 special meeting, where the board is expected to take formal action on the bond proposal.
From November 25, 2025 meeting:
Architects present two-question, $89.5 million bond proposal
Board to finalize bond scope by Dec. 1
Survey data shows support for no-tax-increase bond
High school "Hexagon" building identified as top concern
Plan includes closing one elementary school
Board debates fate of Eisenhower campus
District seeks $1.75 million in budget reductions
20 to 30 staff positions targeted for reduction
Architects present two-question, $89.5 million bond proposal
MCPHERSON, Kan. - Architect Joel Cash presented a draft long-range facility plan proposing a two-question bond election totaling $89.5 million. The first question, valued at $62.5 million, would fund a new academic wing at McPherson High School and the demolition of the "Hexagon" building without increasing the current tax levy. A 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.
Board to finalize bond scope by Dec. 1
MCPHERSON, Kan. - The board is working under a tight deadline to finalize the language and scope of the bond issue by its next meeting on Dec. 1. This timeline is necessary to prepare for a potential bond election in the spring. Architects and administration urged the board to provide clear direction on the elementary school reconfiguration and the specifics of the bond questions to ensure the project moves forward.
Survey data shows support for no-tax-increase bond
MCPHERSON, Kan. - Jarrett Tomlinson of ExcellenceK12 presented results from a phone survey of 550 residents, revealing that 65 percent of respondents supported a "no tax increase" bond option. Support dropped significantly for options requiring tax hikes, with a comprehensive $160 million new high school plan receiving only 35 percent support. The data suggests the community prioritizes maintaining school facilities but is sensitive to tax increases, guiding the architects toward the current split-question proposal.
High school "Hexagon" building identified as top concern
MCPHERSON, Kan. - Survey results and board discussion highlighted the "Hexagon" building at the high school as a primary community concern due to maintenance issues and functional obsolescence. The proposed bond plan prioritizes demolishing this section and replacing it with a modern academic wing attached to the existing Roundhouse and B-building. Architects noted that renovating the existing high school campus rather than building new saves substantial costs while addressing the community's desire to preserve the historic campus.
Plan includes closing one elementary school
MCPHERSON, Kan. - To address operational inefficiencies and budget constraints, the board discussed a plan to transition from four elementary schools to three. The consolidation is expected to save significant operating costs and allow for the repurposing of the Eisenhower building as a middle school if the bond passes. Board members debated the timing of designating a specific building for closure, balancing the need for fiscal certainty with the impact on staff and families.
Board debates fate of Eisenhower campus
MCPHERSON, Kan. - Significant discussion centered on the future of the Eisenhower Elementary School campus, which would be converted into a grades 6-8 middle school under the proposed bond. Board members expressed concern about the contingency plan if the bond fails, noting that the building might still need to close to meet budget reduction targets. The board discussed the importance of communicating clearly and responsibly with staff about potential building changes, ensuring everyone has the time and information needed to consider what works best for their families.
District seeks $1.75 million in budget reductions
MCPHERSON, Kan. - Superintendent Shiloh Vincent informed the board that the district must identify $1.75 million in savings for the upcoming fiscal year. Vincent attributed the shortfall to a decline in enrollment, noting a swing of approximately 100 fewer students than projected, which significantly impacts state funding. The administration presented scenarios to achieve these savings through a combination of staff reductions, insurance adjustments and operational efficiencies.
20 to 30 staff positions targeted for reduction
MCPHERSON, Kan. - Superintendent Shiloh Vincent stated that the necessary budget cuts would require reducing the district’s workforce by approximately 20 to 30 positions. The administration aims to achieve these reductions primarily through attrition, such as retirements and resignations, rather than layoffs. Vincent emphasized that these cuts are necessary to stabilize the district’s financial position amidst declining enrollment and uncertain future state funding.
Greg Loving
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