Tonganoxie High School is in need of renovation and repair. The two-building set-up creates a safety and security challenge, it is nearly at capacity, and there are many updates needed to bring the facility in line with current educational standards.
In early Spring 2019, the Board of Education and School District assembled a Community Visioning Team, comprised of district residents, to evaluate the needs at Tonganoxie High School and determine a path forward. The committee considered several options, from doing nothing to building an entirely new high school – and everything in between. Ultimately, the committee put together a proposal that uses existing building resources and footprints, but also better meets current and future needs of our students.
Bond Scope
On April 29, 2019, the Board of Education unanimously approved the Community Visioning Team’s recommendation to put the following mail-ballot bond proposal on a September 5, 2019 ballot:
Updates to Tonganoxie High School, to include:
- Safety and security enhancements, including eliminating the outdoor student travel between buildings, secure entries, and additional cameras.
- All new classrooms/communities that will be next generation learning spaces
- New, consolidated kitchen and cafeteria (the district is currently operating out of duplicate spaces due to size and facility constraints)
- A new competition gym with needed support spaces, including improved physical education classroom space
- Renovations to the west campus to include district support and community spaces, including professional development, online learning, district office and community wellness space
- Code-required updates to the existing gymnasium
- Parking lot improvements and the relocation of the school bus fuel station to allow for more efficient flow on the site
- Demolition of the 1960’s building (except for the existing gymnasium) and existing district office
Financial Facts
Total cost: $51,400,000.
This bond proposal would require an increase of 3.0 mills, or $4.31 a month for a $150,000 home. If approved, the state of Kansas would also fund 15% of the construction costs.
Important Deadlines
August 15, 2019: Deadline to Register to Receive a Ballot (If not currently registered to vote)
August 16, 2019: Ballots are mailed
September 5, 2019: Ballots are due back at the election office by NOON
