Despite the current economic climate, it was a happy night in the Independence School District as voters overwhelmingly approved an $85 million bond issue.
“This is a victory for us tonight,” said Independence Board of Education President Blake Roberson. “It is a victory for the kids and a victory for the community. I think this will help to drive the community in the right direction.”
The bond issue passed with 7,678 votes (68.58 percent) compared to 3,517 votes (31.42 percent).
Roberson said it was a risk to place the issue on the November ballot given the state of the economy. But the district has a one-time opportunity to benefit from interest free bonds available through the federal stimulus package. Because it is unknown how much of the $85 million will be interest free, homeowners will likely see a 15-cent tax increase per $100 of assessed value.
According the district, for a $100,000 home, this would mean an additional $28.56 annually, and for those with a $200,000 home, it would be an additional $57.12 each year.
“I am thrilled with the numbers. We knew it would be tough, but we certainly have outstanding citizens that are behind our schools and students,” Roberson said. “With the passage we can continue to address our growing population and help to put people to work in Independence. That is fantastic.”
The bond issue will largely fund the construction of two new elementary schools – one in eastern Independence and one in western Independence. In addition, classroom additions will be constructed at Luff, Thomas Hart Benton and Mill Creek elementary schools along with other renovations districtwide.
At the high school level, there will be a new gymnasium and band room at Truman; a front office and main entry remodel, new auditorium lighting and sound system and a new air-conditioning and heating system at Van Horn and a new track, renovated science rooms and a main entry and front office remodel at William Chrisman.
Leslie Hochsprung, principal at Thomas Hart Benton, said she is excited about the future renovations and projects. Currently, some students at the elementary school must attend class in a mobile unit. Art and music is taught from a cart.
“The ability to get rid of that mobile unit is very important to our families,” she said. “Teachers can do so much more when they have a classroom. This addition will give us the extra space to teach our students in the way they should be taught.”
Roberson said it was truly a “community effort” that led to the bond successfully being passed.
“We had an outstanding campaign committee and support from the ICED, Chamber of Commerce and other civic organizations,” he said. “Everyone pulled together to get this passed. I cannot thank those people enough.”
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Despite the current economic climate, it was a happy night in the Independence School District as voters overwhelmingly approved an $85 million bond issue.
“This is a victory for us tonight,” said Independence Board of Education President Blake Roberson. “It is a victory for the kids and a victory for the community. I think this will help to drive the community in the right direction.”
The bond issue passed with 7,678 votes (68.58 percent) compared to 3,517 votes (31.42 percent).
Roberson said it was a risk to place the issue on the November ballot given the state of the economy. But the district has a one-time opportunity to benefit from interest free bonds available through the federal stimulus package. Because it is unknown how much of the $85 million will be interest free, homeowners will likely see a 15-cent tax increase per $100 of assessed value.
According the district, for a $100,000 home, this would mean an additional $28.56 annually, and for those with a $200,000 home, it would be an additional $57.12 each year.
“I am thrilled with the numbers. We knew it would be tough, but we certainly have outstanding citizens that are behind our schools and students,” Roberson said. “With the passage we can continue to address our growing population and help to put people to work in Independence. That is fantastic.”
The bond issue will largely fund the construction of two new elementary schools – one in eastern Independence and one in western Independence. In addition, classroom additions will be constructed at Luff, Thomas Hart Benton and Mill Creek elementary schools along with other renovations districtwide.
At the high school level, there will be a new gymnasium and band room at Truman; a front office and main entry remodel, new auditorium lighting and sound system and a new air-conditioning and heating system at Van Horn and a new track, renovated science rooms and a main entry and front office remodel at William Chrisman.
Leslie Hochsprung, principal at Thomas Hart Benton, said she is excited about the future renovations and projects. Currently, some students at the elementary school must attend class in a mobile unit. Art and music is taught from a cart.
“The ability to get rid of that mobile unit is very important to our families,” she said. “Teachers can do so much more when they have a classroom. This addition will give us the extra space to teach our students in the way they should be taught.”
Roberson said it was truly a “community effort” that led to the bond successfully being passed.
“We had an outstanding campaign committee and support from the ICED, Chamber of Commerce and other civic organizations,” he said. “Everyone pulled together to get this passed. I cannot thank those people enough.”
