2008 Bond Issue Questions and Answers

Why should the community vote for this plan?

The proposed plan addresses the most pressing needs identified by school leaders, architects, and the Facilities Committee.  It provides up-to-date and equivalent facilities for all elementary students, while expanding and improving our aging high school and its activity facilities.  The improvements made will essentially address the entire District and move us to an educational atmosphere that addresses the needs of students in order to compete in today's world.  Research shows that teachers and students both succeed at higher levels in up-to-date facilities.  This plan brings comparability to our elementary schools.

Why a bond issue now?

Our schools need attention.  We have addressed only the most immediate and emergency level issues in recent years.  Our buildings are aging and do not support the needs of education today.  The average age of Leavenworth schools is 55 years.  This plan addresses only the most pressing needs, while taking care of all students.  The plan also taps into support by the state of Kansas at 32% that might not be available in future years.  If we wait to address the needs in our schools, the cost will go up and the needs will get worse.

Why does the plan not include a brand new Anthony and David Brewer Elementary School?

In a survey conducted for the District, patrons shared that they desired the renovation of as many existing facilities as possible.  The community, as a whole, did not want all new buildings.  In studies conducted to determine the soundness of the various schools, coupled by the overall school site characteristics, it was deemed that Anthony and David Brewer are in a state that can effectively be renewed for a good number of years to come.

With the plan reducing the number of elementary schools from six to four, what will happen to the staff in the other buildings?

It is important to realize that with the reduction in the number of elementary schools, our student population will not decrease.  We will still need to educate approximately the same number of students, which will take approximately the same number of staff.  Any overlapping of duties due to fewer buildings will be addressed through attrition.

What is the life of the bond?

Currently, we have 10 years left on the bonds from the project that supported Lawson and Nettie Hartnett Elementary Schools and Warren Middle School.  The bonds in the current plan would have a lifespan of 20 years. 

When will construction start and how long will it take?

Construction will begin soon after election day.  Each project takes approximately two years from start to finish.  The projects will likely be staggered and not all occur at the same time or pace.  It is expected that all facilities projects will be complete by the fall of 2011.

What will happen with the students of the affected buildings during the projects?

The District has many plans being considered at the present time that would accommodate students in our time of facility transition.  In several instances, namely where building additions are planned, students would be moved out of the classrooms that would be impacted by construction and then relocated in the addition while other areas of the building are addressed.  Likely, the new elementary school would be constructed at the beginning of the project and could then be used as "swing space" (an alternative location for students during construction).  

Will the District provide busing when the elementary schools are situated in the quadrants of the community?

The District has considered the busing issue and will continue to do so in future budget years.  Even with the reduction of elementary schools from six to four, the majority of students will remain within the 2.5 mile identified distance for busing. The state of Kansas does not reimburse districts for busing students who live within 2.5 miles from their home to their designated attendance center.

Why does the plan include an Activities Center in addition to the focus on academics?

Research indicates that students are served well by participating in activities outside of the school day.  They learn and have the opportunity to impart leadership skills and other group process skills that are essential in life.  Participation in band, sports, drama, clubs, etc. allows students to interact in a way that is not possible in the classroom and helps them become well-rounded individuals.