$65,000,000 bond vote looms over USD 450 homeowners

SHAWNEE COUNTY (KSNT) – Homeowners in Shawnee Heights may see a bump to their property taxes in the coming days as a $65,000,000 bond decision draws closer.

Residents in USD 450 are on a path to make a major decision on a multi-million dollar bond issue meant to help improve the local school district this fall. Voter approval would result in a tax jump for local homeowners to help pay for improvements at several of USD 450’s schools.

What is included in the bond resolution?

The USD 450 $65,000,000 bond resolution will, if approved, result in an estimated tax impact of $1.44 per month, or $17.25 per year, for a $100,000 residential home, according to the school district’s website. Bond money is set to be used for numerous improvements at schools within USD 450, including the following:

• Shawnee Heights High School.
  • Replace north and south parking lots.
  • Auxiliary gym.
  • Stadium fieldhouse: concessions, restrooms and locker rooms.
  • Kitchen addition and increase in serving area.
  • Add air conditioning to North Gym and Art Room.
  • Renovate FACS classrooms.
  • Renovate counseling suite.
  • Robotics renovation.
• Shawnee Heights Middle School.
  • Addition for 6th Grade and electives.
  • Auxiliary gym.
  • Renovate/update existing classrooms.
  • Replace classroom cabinets.
  • Increase space in counseling suite.
  • Update science classrooms.
  • Renovate FACS.
  • Renovate business.
  • Robotics renovation.
  • Add 2nd restrooms for 8th Graders.
  • Add conference rooms in library.
  • Improve courtyard.
  • Add curtain to divide gym and drop down volleyball nets.
  • Add additional parking to the east.
  • Extend access road to 45th Street.
• Shawnee Heights Elementary School.
  • Create secure entrance by moving main office.
  • Improve drop-off and pick-up with new canopy, sidewalk, railing and extend sidewalk.
  • Renovate special education offices.
  • Gym floor replacement.
  • Mechanical improvements.
• Berryton Elementary.
  • Expand east parking lot and improve drop-off and pick-up.
  • Renovate classrooms and offices.
  • Renovate restrooms.
  • Cafeteria expansion.
  • Additional classroom space.
  • Update electrical and fire alarm systems.
  • Mechanical improvements.
• Tecumseh North Elementary School.
  • Expand office for support services, meeting space and additional space.
  • Gym floor and bleachers replacement.
  • Basement renovation for orchestra, band, classrooms and offices.
  • Panther’s Den relocation and improvements.
  • Restroom renovations.
  • Flooring replacement in original classrooms.
  • Mechanical improvements.
• Tecumseh South Elementary School.
  • Separate parent and bus entry.
  • Expand parking.
  • Additional classrooms, support services and kitchen space.
  • Restroom renovations.
  • Add staff restrooms.
  • Renovate school resource officer/IT office.
  • Mechanical improvements.

Why are these improvements necessary?

27 News got in touch with USD 450 for more information on the upcoming bond vote and to learn why the improvements are needed at the schools. Sheila Meggers, USD 450’s superintendent, told 27 News the bond marks a major investment in the future of school district.

“This bond is about making sure our schools meet the needs of students today and in the future,” Meggers said. “It will provide additional classroom space to address overcrowding, support growing programs, and improve safety and accessibility for all students. Above all, this bond is an investment in the success of every student in Shawnee Heights.”

Meggers said that, if approved, the tax increase will stick around for 25 years or until around 2050. She said the bond resolution will not only bring about improvements at the district’s schools but also benefit all students within USD 450.

Where do things stand now?

The Kansas Board of Education (KSDE) is set to meet on Sept. 9-10 to discuss bond elections for numerous school districts across the state. Two items are listed in the agenda documents for this meeting associated with USD 450:

• Act on request from USD 450 Shawnee Heights, Shawnee County, to hold a bond election.
• Act on request from USD 450 Shawnee Heights, Shawnee County, to receive Capital Improvement (Bond and Interest) State Aid.

27 News reached out to the KSDE for more information on what will be discussed and voted on during the meeting. KSDE spokeswoman Denise Kahler said that approval of the above items will greenlight the upcoming bond vote for Shawnee Heights residents.

“If a school board plans to issue bonds so that the total bonded indebtedness exceeds 14% of the assessed valuation of the school district, they must have State Board approval before the bond question can be presented to voters,” Kahler said. “If the State Board approves the request, it just means the district can now ask their voters to authorize the district to borrow the additional funds (issue bonds).”

Following approval by the KSDE, Shawnee Heights residents will then vote on the bond issue on Nov. 4, 2025, during the General Election. The district is also set to hold three upcoming town hall meetings on the bond issue on the following dates:

• 6 p.m. on Sept. 29 in the Berryton Elementary cafeteria.
• 6 p.m. on Oct. 14 in the Shawnee Heights Middle School library.
• 6 p.m. on Oct. 27 in the Shawnee Heights Elementary cafeteria.

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