USD 418 Board Prepares for Potential 2026 Bond Issue
Board outlines timeline and facilities planning ahead of possible March ballot measure
MCPHERSON, Kan. — The USD 418 Board of Education held a crucial study session on October 27, ahead of its regular meeting we covered on November 10, as officials prepare for a potential spring 2026 bond issue. The session provided key insights into the board's thinking as they move toward what could be a significant facilities funding proposal.
Greg Loving
Board members have scheduled two additional special meetings for November 25 and December 1, specifically focused on facilities planning and bond preparation. If the board ultimately decides to present a proposal to voters in March—their current target date—they must take formal action to place the measure on the ballot by December 10. citizen journal will provide coverage of both upcoming special meetings to keep the community informed of developments.
From October 27 2025 study session:
Board leans toward high school renovation over new construction
Tax impact estimates presented for bond options
Debate over fiscal stewardship versus frugality
Board explores 5-8 grade reconfiguration
Bond could address critical childcare shortage
Lack of storm shelters drives elementary renovation costs
District to investigate land acquisition for future growth
Phone survey initiated to gauge voter sentiment
Board leans toward high school renovation over new construction
MCPHERSON, Kan. - Following feedback from community meetings and initial survey data, the Unified School District 418 Board of Education expressed a consensus to focus on "Option 2" for its upcoming bond issue: a renovation and renewal of the existing McPherson High School rather than building a new facility. Consultants presented data showing that while students and staff favored a new building, the broader community preferred the renovation option when costs were attached. The proposed renovation plan, estimated at approximately $110 million (for the entire "Option 2" concept, not just the high school), would include updating the existing structure and converting Eisenhower Elementary into part of a middle school configuration.
Tax impact estimates presented for bond options
MCPHERSON, Kan. - Consultants provided the school board with estimated tax implications for the potential facility improvements. "Option 2," the renovation plan favored by the board, would require a bond of approximately $110 million, resulting in an estimated 9.5-mill levy increase, or roughly $19 per month for the owner of a $200,000 home. In contrast, "Option 1," a new high school on a new site, would cost approximately $160 million, resulting in a 21-mill increase, or about $40 to $44 per month for the same homeowner.
Debate over fiscal stewardship versus frugality
MCPHERSON, Kan. - A robust debate emerged regarding the definition of fiscal responsibility. While some community feedback urged the district to be frugal and limit spending, board members argued that "Band-Aid" fixes are more expensive in the long run. One member likened the situation to constantly replacing tires on a car with a bent frame, suggesting that a significant investment now—specifically regarding the aging "hexagon" wing of the high school—is more responsible than continuing to pay for emergency repairs and inefficiencies.
Board explores 5-8 grade reconfiguration
MCPHERSON, Kan. - Considerable discussion focused on restructuring the district’s middle school grades. The board examined a concept to convert the current Eisenhower Elementary into a grades 5-6 center, while building a new grades 7-8 center on the existing high school or middle school campus. While community feedback showed interest in separating younger and older middle school students for developmental reasons, board members requested more precise cost estimates to ensure the configuration fits within the $110 million budget cap before presenting it to voters.
Bond could address critical childcare shortage
MCPHERSON, Kan. - District leadership highlighted a potential partnership to address a shortage of approximately 400 childcare spots in the community. If the bond passes and grade configurations change—potentially consolidating elementary students into fewer buildings—vacated space in existing elementary schools could be repurposed for early childhood education and daycare centers. This move aims to align school facility usage with broader community needs to attract families to McPherson.
Lack of storm shelters drives elementary renovation costs
MCPHERSON, Kan. - Consultants noted that a significant portion of the proposed budget for elementary school renovations is allocated to safety, specifically the addition of storm shelters. It was revealed that the district’s three elementary schools currently lack storm shelters, a fact that surprised some newer residents on the board. The cost to add secure entries and storm shelters is estimated between $9 million and $13 million, a figure the board intends to clearly communicate to taxpayers as a nonnegotiable safety necessity.
District to investigate land acquisition for future growth
MCPHERSON, Kan. - Despite leaning against building a new high school immediately, the board directed administration to investigate the availability and cost of acquiring land for future use. Board members suggested that securing 80 to 120 acres now would demonstrate long-term planning to voters, ensuring the district is prepared if a new high school becomes necessary or financially feasible in 10 to 15 years. This "long game" strategy is intended to show fiscal stewardship while addressing immediate facility needs through renovation.
Phone survey initiated to gauge voter sentiment
MCPHERSON, Kan. - Superintendent Shiloh Vincent confirmed that a statistically valid phone survey of 400 to 500 residents began this week to gauge community support for specific bond proposals. The survey, conducted by an external polling firm, aims to provide data on voter price sensitivity and project priorities. While some board members expressed concern about the integrity of phone surveys in the current political climate, administration emphasized that the data is crucial for finalizing the bond scope before the December filing deadline.
Greg Loving
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