Kansas City Voters Face Major Decision on School Bond

Community members gather to discuss the upcoming Kansas City school bond election.

News Summary

Kansas City voters are being called to the polls on April 8, 2025, to decide on a crucial $474 million school bond aimed at enhancing local education facilities. This bond proposal, the first in 60 years, aims to improve over 30 Kansas City Public Schools and nine charter schools. The funds will address urgent infrastructure needs, upgrade utilities, and expand school facilities to better serve the community. Support from various stakeholders highlights the importance of this election to the future of Kansas City’s educational landscape.

Kansas City Voters Face Big Decision on School Bond

Attention, Kansas City! The upcoming election on April 8, 2025, is set to be a pivotal moment for our local schools. Voters will have the opportunity to weigh in on an impressive $474 million bond package aimed at improving our Kansas City Public Schools (KCPS). This proposed bond marks an exciting milestone, as it would be the first school capital improvements bond approved by voters in almost 60 years!

What’s on the Table?

This hefty bond package is designed to bring positive change to over 30 KCPS schools and nine charter schools that are linked to KCPS. The funds from this bond will be crucial for tackling many pressing issues in our schools. Here’s a closer look at what the bond is set to fund:

Upgrading school buildings and infrastructure, which many parents and students have been waiting for.
Improving classroom utilities to create better learning environments.
Tackling heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) maintenance and security problems.
Enhancing school gyms for students to engage in physical activities.
Constructing additions to three new schools to accommodate our growing community.

A Sneak Peek into the Financial Impact

It’s essential to note that KCPS is currently the only district in the region without funding from a bond issue, which puts us at a disadvantage. For the bond to pass, it will require just over 57.15% of voter approval. To give you a clearer picture, if a property owner has a home valued at $200,000, they could see an increase in their property tax of about $231 per year if the bond is approved.

For those living in assessed properties, here’s how it breaks down:

An estimated tax rate increase of $0.6100 per $100 of assessed valuation.
A homeowner with an assessed value of $45,000 (approximately 19% of market value) could face an annual tax increase of $274.50, which translates to a monthly increase of roughly $22.87.
Commercial properties valued at $200,000 could see an additional $400 in yearly taxes.

Where the Money’s Going

The total bond amount of $474 million will be utilized with $424 million designated for KCPS and $50 million for its charter school partners. This investment comes at a crucial time, as KCPS currently faces over $1 billion in deferred maintenance and renovation needs. Many buildings in the district are over 60 years old and require urgent attention.

Community Support is Strong!

The push for this bond is driven by a broad coalition of support, including teachers, students, parents, and city officials, all advocating for a “yes” vote. If approved, KCPS would pay back the bonds over a 20-year period, funded by the proposed tax increases. Historically, evidence from neighboring districts suggests that having better facilities leads to improved educational environments and better outcomes for our children.

Getting the Vote Out

To foster high voter turnout, the election will include no-excuse early voting. This is a great opportunity for everyone to participate in shaping the future of our schools!

In the meantime, it is worth noting that other districts like the North Kansas City Schools district are also proposing bond issues, including a $175 million proposal that wouldn’t raise taxes. With so much on the ballot, it’s an exciting time for Kansas City!

Stay informed, Kansas City, because the future of our schools is in your hands!