Marina
On Tuesday, voters in Coffey County will decide whether to approve a $45 million bond for the construction of a new elementary school for USD 244 Burlington.
Key Points of the Proposal
The bond would finance the creation of a modern elementary school building to replace the current one. While the first-grade wing was fully renovated just five years ago, the remainder of the building has not undergone significant updates since the 1980s.
This has created challenges in meeting the demands of modern education. Board member Bob Plummer has emphasized that the existing building’s age and condition hinder the ability to provide a suitable learning environment.
Why Renovation Wasn’t Chosen
Initially, a comprehensive renovation was considered, but the district expressed concerns about disrupting student learning during such a large-scale project.
The current building also lacks sufficient space for further expansion, and parking has become a significant issue that is impacting accessibility.
New School Location and Benefits
The proposed plan is to construct the new school on the same campus as the middle school and high school, keeping all three buildings within a half-mile of each other.
This centralization will not only streamline logistics for students but also provide elementary school students with access to the existing athletic complex.
Additionally, the project will expand the Burlington Early Learning Center and enhance access to a range of student resources, fostering collaboration among all educational levels within the district.
Bond Details and Financial Implications
The bond proposal asks voters to approve a 15-year bond, which would be funded by a 7.2-mill levy increase. This increase would raise the district’s current levy from 29.664 mills to 36.864 mills.
According to the district, the increase would result in a tax hike of approximately $7 per month for a home valued at $100,000.
For context, the district notes that these figures are lower than those of several similar-sized school districts in the area, such as USD 243 Lebo-Waverly, USD 245 Southern Coffey County, and USD 434 Santa Fe Trail.
Financial Breakdown of the Bond Levy
| Current Levy | Proposed Levy | Monthly Tax Increase for $100,000 Home |
|---|---|---|
| 29.664 mills | 36.864 mills | $7 |
The proposed $45 million bond for USD 244 Burlington is a critical step toward modernizing the district’s educational infrastructure.
If approved, this new elementary school will provide enhanced learning spaces, better access to resources, and improved logistical efficiency by centralizing all schools on one campus.
With a moderate tax increase and clear benefits for the community, this project aims to better support modern education in Burlington.