Belton votes on school bond renewal

If approved, the district’s debt service levy is estimated to remain unchanged at $1.0544 per one hundred dollars of assessed valuation.

By Kathy Feist

Voters in Belton will be asked to approve a $58 million “No Tax Rate Increase” Bond on the April 7 ballot. Belton last approved a school district bond measure in 2012 in the amount of $9.5 million for new school facilities.

“This bond is the result of a comprehensive assessment of our facilities and direct feedback from our community,” said Dr. Andrew Underwood, Superintendent of Schools. “We are trying to provide innovation and opportunities for all students, prek-12. In addition, we have some mechanical needs that must be addressed to maintain our facilities. By utilizing a no-tax-rate-increase bond measure, we are able to protect our community’s investment in our schools while ensuring our students have access to the modern tools and spaces they need to thrive.”

This year the funds raised from the bonds will be invested toward “innovation for every student in every school.”

Here are the four specific targets proposed by Belton:

Elementary Learning Spaces – Modernizing classrooms to facilitate collaborative teaching methods and flexible learning environments. Upgrades may include new learning experiences such as a black box theater, farm school infrastructure, and a computer science learning lab as well as modern furniture and remodeled spaces.

Secondary Career Education: Expanding the real-world learning academies, known as “The Academies of Belton,” by renovating underutilized space at the Yeokum Center of Innovation and constructing new facilities for career-focused programming. Additional career education opportunities may include drone piloting, JROTC, academic activities, athletic programming and more for both middle and high school students.

One career education opportunity may include drone piloting. Rendering provided by incite Design Services.

Early Education Expansion: Increasing capacity at Grace Early Childhood Education and Care Center through the purchase or renovation of existing facilities to meet a growing community.

Essential Facility Maintenance: Replacing and maintaining critical infrastructure district-wide, including HVAC systems, activities facilities, roofing, and plumbing.

If approved, the district’s debt service levy is estimated to remain unchanged at $1.0544 per one hundred dollars of assessed valuation.