South KC Perspective
By John Sharp
Voters in the Grandview C-4 School District in both the city of Grandview and in a substantial part of southwest KCMO overwhelmingly approved a $50 million no tax increase bond issue April 2 that will fund continuing security improvements, renovating classrooms & other facilities and modernizing utilities to be more energy efficient at district schools.
The measure which required four-sevenths (57.14%) voter approval for passage carried based on unofficial results with 68.86% of the vote in Grandview and an even higher margin (72.16%) in KCMO. The turnout also was a little higher in KCMO, with 2,838 votes cast compared to 2,534 in Grandview itself.
Following the landslide victory, Grandview Superintendent Dr. Kenny Rodrequez said he was incredibly proud of the work that has been done in the district with the support of both its Grandview and KCMO residents for recent bond issues such as the April 2 bond issue that he noted was the largest in the district’s history.
“The infusion of $45 million in 2021, and now $50 million in 2024, will continue to positively impact the daily experiences of our students and staff while ensuring the pride they have in our school district is also mirrored in our facilities,” Rodrequez said.
He said work on some of the bond projects could start as early as late fall, including constructing a combined baseball/softball field with artificial turf and improved lighting at Grandview High School.
Starting interior work to modernize and renovate the district’s schools, all of which are over 50 years old, will also be a priority, Rodrequez said. Plans call for this work to include classroom renovations and restroom modernizations throughout the district and improvements to the fine arts area, library and weight room at the high school.
District officials have noted that the district still has about $8 million worth of work to finish this summer from the successful $45 million bond issue approved in 2021. This work will include parking lot & playground improvements, school front entrance security improvements and renovation of the physical education area at the Center for Alternative Instructional Resources.