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GENERAL INFO
WHAT IS A SCHOOL BOND AND WHAT IS REQUIRED FOR PASSAGE?

School bonds are a way for schools to borrow money for large projects that exceed the means of the school's upgrade budget otherwise known as the capital outlay budget. The large projects become a ballot measure for district voters. 

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WHY DO WE NEED A BOND TO PAY FOR THESE THINGS? DON'T WE PLAN FOR EXPENDITURES?

The district budgets/allocates funds designated for capital outlay items in each annual budget. These capital outlay items include but are not limited to the replacement of transportation vehicles, maintenance of all district facilities, replacement of mechanical items, and alterations to facilities to accommodate new educational needs. 

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USD 273 is committed to providing a quality education for all our students. The proposed bond will positively impact all students throughout the district and focus on the needs for capacity, student experience, and safety. Our current capital outlay dollars cannot take care of these needs. 

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The following is a list of improvements the district has made in the past using capital outlay dollars:

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  • Grade 6 classroom addition/gym

  • Phase 1, 2, 3, HVAC

  • Sewer main lining

  • Roofs (less than 10-years old_

  • Parking Lot

  • Flooring

  • Building was painted inside and out

  • Library redesign

  • Modular building was sided

  • Playground updates

  • Preschool moved into main building

  • Outdoor dining area

  • Greenhouse

  • Stadium Improvements

  • Tennis Court

HOW WAS THE PROPOSAL DEVELOPED?

The district conducted primary research on the last referendum attempt and incorporated findings that indicated the will of the patrons on the various projects. The BOE took these findings into consideration in forming a new ballot proposal.

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Click here for a summary of the architect's needs assessment for each project.  

HOW DOES A BOND ISSUE WORK?

Bond funds can only be used for constructing, equipping, maintaining, and furnishing district facilities. This makes the bond funds different from the district's operating funds which are used to pay salaries, textbooks, and other day-to-day expenses. Bond funds can only be used for brick-and-mortar projects and cannot be legally used for anything else. This is an important distinction to remember. Bond funds and operational funds are separate and according to state law, these funds cannot be used interchangeably. 

WHO WILL BENEFIT FROM THE BOND PROPOSAL?

The benefits of the bond proposal go beyond the students and staff of USD 273. This bond proposal will impact the general public in numerous ways. Investing in our schools is an investment in our future workforce and our community. Whether a student goes on to college or into an apprenticeship, certification program, on-the-job training, or directly into the workforce, we must prepare them for success.

HOW WILL PEOPLE IN OUR COMMUNITY WHO DON'T HAVE STUDENTS IN THE SCHOOL BENEFIT FROM THIS BOND ISSUE?

A strong public school system is a cornerstone of a thriving community. Improving public schools will aid in the recruitment of professionals such as doctors, city administrators, engineers, etc. Studies have also shown that a strong public school system is often the most important factor for people looking to relocate. Also, several amenities such as the tennis courts are open to all citizens. 

WHEN WAS USD 273'S LAST BOND ISSUE?

The last bond issue was 49 years ago, which funded the construction of the current Beloit High school in 1975.

WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF THE BOND ISSUE DOES NOT PASS?

If the bond issue does not pass USD 273 will continue to use operating funds, which takes money away from education, to repair our worst problems and postpone other important needs. 

WHAT CHANGED FROM THE ORIGINAL BALLOT?

We removed:

  • The air conditioning in the high school gym.

  • The lease purchase agreement.

  • The new press box at Trojan Stadium.

  • Additional restrooms and locker rooms at Trojan Stadium.

  • Remodel of the high school locker rooms. 

  • The turf football field.

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The Trojan Stadium press box and restrooms are still a priority but the additional cost will be funded by the foundation. 

MANY PEOPLE THOUGHT THE BOND WOULD PASS, BASED ON ANECTODAL COMMENTS FROM PATRONS. WHY DIDN'T THE SUBSEQUENT RESEARCH SUPPORT THAT?

There are a couple of reasons why quantitative research (telephone poll) often does not match up with qualitative research (online surveys, word-of-mouth, etc.).

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The biggest reason is that people taking a quantitative survey feel secure in knowing that their opinions are anonymous and that they have carte blanche to say how they really think and feel. With qualitative research (like an online survey), there is a tendency to be aware that "big brother" could be watching by tracing IP addresses. The same is even truer with work-of-mouth. Patrons often couch their opinions so as not to look/sound like they don't support something as beloved as the local school district. Finally, school officials are much more likely to have interactions with loyal fans than detractors. Thus, the data is skewed by an audience that is out of balance. 

FINANCIALS & COST
WHAT IS THE BOND INTEREST RATE?

The interest rate will depend on what passes and the length of the term rate for the bond. If all three questions pass, we anticipate an niterest rate of 5% for a 15-year term. 

WHAT DOLLAR AMOUNT DOES NABHOLZ CONSTRUCTION RECEIVE FROM THIS?

They receive 2.25% of the construction cost, but only if the bond passes. That fee is included in the bond amount. 

WILL THE ENTIRE COUNTY BE AFFECTED BY TAX INCREASES ON PERSONAL PROPERTY SUCH AS VEHICLE TAXES?

With respect to the motor vehicle tax levy process, each year, the County Clerk gets from the State a single rate to levy against motor vehicles within the county. That rate is determined by the formula set forth in K.S.A. 79-5105. It is based on the average mill levy of all taxing jurisdictions within the county. The bond and interest mill levy is included in determining the county average rate. Therefore, the single rate used to levy against motor vehicles within the entire county will likely be affected by the bond and interest mill levy associated with the USD 273 bond election. 

ONCE THE BOND IS PAID OFF, WILL THE MILL LEVY DROP OFF?

Yes. Once the bond is paid off, the school district is required by state law to lower the bond and interest fund mill levy to 0. We can also refinance for a lower rate.

CAN THE INTEREST RATE GO UP OR DOWN?

No. Once the bonds are sold, the interest rate will be locked in for the life of the financing. 

IF THE BOND IS PAID OFF EARLY, DOES IT DROP OFF?

If the bond is paid off early and no other bonds are outstanding, then the bond and interest mill levy will drop to 0.

HOW MUCH "FLUFF" IS INVOLVED IN THIS?

Appropriate construction contingencies are built into the cost estimate. 

WILL THESE BONDS BE PURCHASED OUT OF MITCHELL COUNTY?

If the bond election is successful, a notice of bond sale will be broadly distributed to banks nationwide. This will allow for a variety of banks to bid for the purchase of the bonds.

HOW MANY TAX ENTITIES WILL BE PAYING FOR THIS?

All taxing units that lie within the USD 273 boundaries.

WILL THERE BE TRANSPARANCY TO THE PUBLIC AS TO WHERE WE ARE AT ANNUALLY FOR PAY OFF?

Yes, the Board will meet regularly to discuss the capital improvement plan of the District, including the bond and interest fund cash flows. This is publicly available information/meetings.

HOW DOES OUR MILL LEVY COMPARE TO NEIGHBORING DISTRICTS?

The Beloit Schools' current mill levy of 46.809 is low compared to most of our neighboring districts. For example, the following are other districts' mill levies: 

  • Russell County (46.577)

  • Concordia (46.980)

  • Ellsworth (51.251)

  • North Ottawa County (53.170)

  • Perry Public Schools (55.171)

  • Republic County (56.525)

  • Riley County (61.150)

 

Click here to see Beloit Schools' projected mill levy increase.

WHAT IS THE TAX IMPACT FOR A TYPICAL HOME OR A HYPOTHETICAL FARM?

The average cost for a 160-acre dryland farm is $159 per year. To view residential, commercial, and agriculture tax estimates click here.   

HOW ARE MOTOR VEHICLE TAXES CALCULATED?

Pursuant to K.S.A. 79-5105, annual motor vehicle taxes are calculated by multiplying the value of the vehicle (determined by state formula) x 20% x "county average tax rate."

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The "county average tax rate" is calculated using the total property tax levied within the county by all taxing subdivisions two years prior to the tax year, divided by the total assessed valuation of all property with the county, less the school district general fund mill levy (20 mills).

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There are currently 114 separate taxing units within the county and the motor vehicle tax levy is based on an average of the mill levies of all those taxing unities as described above. 

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The Motor Vehicle tax levy is one rate for the county. Please see Mitchell County's historical rate below:

  • For 2023, the Motor Vehicle County Adjusted Average Levy is 0.153841 - adjusted from the 2021 Average County Levy of 0.173841.

  • For 2024, the Motor Vehicle County Adjusted Average Levy is 0.150943 - adjusted from the 2022 Average County Levy of 0.170943.

  • For 2025, the Motor Vehicle County Adjusted Average Levy will be based on the 2023 Average County Levy minus 0.02.

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IF THE USD 273 BOND PASSES, HOW WILL MOTOR VEHICLE PROPERTY TAXES BE AFFECTED?

The increased bond and interest fund mill levy associated with the bond issue will be added to the USD 273 total mill levy. This will be reflected in the new "county average tax rate" described above. Similarly, if any city, school district or other taxing entity within the county also has an increase or decrease in their total mill levy, it will also be reflected in the new "county average tax rate."

I LIVE IN GLEN ELDER. WHERE DO THE TAX RECEIPTS FOR ANY POTENTIAL INCREASE IN THE MOTOR VEHICLE PROPERTY TAX RATE GO?

The motor vehicle tax revenue for Glen Elder will be collected by the County in amounts calculated by the County in amounts calculated using the formula described above and redistributed only to those taxing jurisdictions that overlap the City of Glen Elder.

WHAT IS THE COST OF EACH INDIVIDUAL PROJECT ON THE BOND?

See Projects page for more information about the individual projects.

WHAT SPECIFIC PROJECTS HAVE BEEN COMPLETED WITH CAPITAL OUTLAY MONEY?

Over 70 projects have been accomplished in recent years with the use of the capital outlay budget. To see a full listing click here. 

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It is also important to note that the five-year average of district expenditures per pupil is approx. $20,000. This number remains skewed because all Special Education expenditures for five school districts are run through USD 273's budget. Only 30% of the overall budget is from local tax dollars. 

HOW DOES SPENDING PER STUDENT COMPARE TO OTHER DISTRICTS IN THE STATE?

This issue came up in the previous bond campaign. Our spending level is monitored by the state and reported in the ESSA Building Expenditure Report. Our ESSA Building Expenditure Report includes the Special Education budget for Beloit USD 273, Waconda USD 272, Lincoln USD 298- Lincoln, Sylvan-Lucas USD 299, and Rock Hills USD 107. This budget runs through the Beloit budget because Beloit is the sponsor of the Special Education Cooperative. All of the expenses for the Special Education Cooperative run through Code 78 in our school budget. This added $5,177,251 in actual expenses into that average, not to mention each of the schools contribute budgetary dollars on top of this for the expenses not covered by the federal government or the state government for the special education students, the $22,322 per pupil compared with the state's $14,570. The other factor is Code 28, which is the Parents as Teachers program that runs through our budget as well, adding $244,713 in actual expenses for those same five districts, plus Osborne USD 392 in the 2022-2023 school budget. This is not to mention that the St. John's Catholic School in Beloit received Special Education and Parents as Teachers services as well as Tipton Private School that resides in the Waconda 272 district. So, that number is really not a fair number for judging USD 273 per pupil spending. 

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These Cooperatives exist because they are less expensive (can pool resources) for the districts who are in this agreement. One of the districts has to be the sponsor, and it happens to be Beloit. It's been this way for a long time. This number adds to all the expenses in all of those districts that serve more than 1,800 students. 

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When you take out those expenses from the USD 273 budget or 2022-2023, it takes that average down to $15,617 per pupil, compared to the state's average of $14,570. USD 273 still spends $1,047 more per student. Note that the difference between the $22,322 and the $15,617 is reimbursed to USD 273 by the other districts in the cooperative.

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Another note is that our district provides a free ACT test to every student, and we are still ahead of the state's average. Most schools that provide the ACT test to all students fall below the state average. We do not think spending less than the state average per pupil is wise. 

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In short, Beloit USD 273 carries significantly more expenses in its budget, which has carried into that per pupil average number. 

PROJECTS
WHAT IS THE FOOTPRINT SIZE OF THE AG CENTER?

The estimated footprint size is 11,000 square feet. 

WILL THE HVAC AT BELOIT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BE STEAM HEAT OR FORCED AIR?

If the bond passes, multiple options will be assessed as it will be a retrofit, and the final elementary HVAC approved design will be selected based on the longevity, construction cost, and a number of additional factors. 

PER THE USD 273 WEBSITE, THE DISTRICT PLANS TO SPEND $22,322 PER PUPIL, PER YEAR TO EDUCATE STUDENTS IN 2024. DOES THAT FIGURE COVER THE COSTS CURRENTLY BEING INCURRED FOR COMPLETED OR ONGOING PHASES OF THE HVAC PLAN? WHAT PHASE OF THE HVAC PLAN ARE WE CURRENTLY IN? IF THE BOND PASSES, WHERE WILL DOLLARS CURRENTLY ALLOCATED TO THE HVAC PLAN GO?

The $22,322 includes funds to cover all five Special Education Cooperative Districts including the St. Johns School and Parents As Teachers Program. So this is not a figure just for USD 273 students. 

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We are currently in Phase 4 of the HVAC plan. There are other capital improvements needed on a daily, monthly, and annual basis that these dollars will go towards. This may include, but is not excluded to HVAC, roofs, plumbing, parking lots, classroom improvements, safety improvements in buildings, etc.

BALLOT & ELECTION
WHEN IS THE 2024 BOND PROPOSAL ELECTION?

The election is November 5, 2024.

IS THIS A SIMPLE MAJORITY VOTE OR PERCENTAGE?

Simply majority.

IF QUESTION 1 PASSES AND THE OTHER QUESTIONS DO NOT, AND THE COST TO COMPLETE QUESTION 1 ITEMS PROVES TO BE LESS THAN BOND AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED NUMBER, CAN THE REMAINING MONEY BE USED FOR THE OTHER QUESTION ITEMS WITHOUT A NEW BOND VOTE?

No, Question 1 dollars cannot be used for other projects. 

WHO CAN VOTE?

Every registered voter within the USD 273 district boundaries is eligible to vote for the school bond. To view the district map click here. 

CAN I VOTE IF I LIVE IN, BUT DO NOT OWN PROPERTY IN THE USD 273 DISTRICT SUCH AS A HOUSE, LAND, CAR, ETC?

Article 5 of the Kansas Constitution and the 26th Amendment to the United States Constitution provides that US citizens 18 years or older have the right to vote. There is no property ownership requirement or tax payment requirement associated with the right to vote in school bond elections in Kansas. 

DO I NEED TO REGISTER TO VOTE IN THE ELECTION IF I AM ALREADY REGISTERED?

You do not need to register to vote for this election if you are already registered to vote. If you have moved and/or changed addresses you need to check your voter registration to make sure the address is correct. To check to see if your voter registration is correct, and to find your polling location, you can check online at myvoteinfo.voteks.org/voterview

WILL THIS BE A YES/NO BALLOT?

This ballot will be a yes/no question for all 3 questions. Question 1 has to pass for the other two questions to pass. So, for example, Question 1 can pass by itself, Questions 1 and 2 can pass, Questions 1 and 3 can pass, or Questions 1, 2, and 3 can pass.

HOW DO I REGISTER TO VOTE?

Registering to vote can be done online or in person. To register in person visit the Mitchell County Clerk's Office located at 111 S. Hersey, Beloit, KS 67420

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To download in-person paperwork click here

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To register online click here

CONTRACTORS & VENDORS
WHAT IS THE NAME OF THE COMPANY OR COMPANIES CHOESEN TO PROVIDE THE BOND, ADVISE ON THE PROCESS OF GETTING THE BOND APPROVED AND MANAGE THE CONSTRUCTION? 

Nabholz Construction is the District's Construction Manager At-Risk. HTK Architects is our architect, and Piper Sandler is our financial advisor. These companies are all experts in their respective areas each with significant school district project experience in Kansas. Their company information is readily available through on-line searches. 

WHAT CONSIDERATION WILL BE GIVEN TO LOCAL CONTRACTORS IN AWARDING WORK FOR THE BOND PROJECTS?

Central Kansas has an extensive network of companies available to complete construction projects. Nabholz has already developed vendor relationships and understands the excitement in the community about these upcoming projects. Once the bond has passed, we will begin reaching out to local companies and will continue to do so through the design and bid process. We also understand there are always new local companies or others we may not have contact with and will actively seek to build new relationships with trade contractors. Engaging local companies not only has the financial and public support advantages but also ensures the subcontractors that will work on these projects share the same care and passion for working within the District as we do. Nabholz will develop thorough bid packages that clearly delineate the responsibility of each trade. We strive to ensure that these packages play to the strengths of the local contractors, so they in turn are encouraged to provide their best pricing and perform their top work. 

ARE THERE ANY REQUIRMENTS OR PREFERENCES STATED FOR LOCAL CONTRACTORS, SMALL BUSINESSES, MINORITY/WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES?

Over their 20 years working in KS communities, Nabholz makes it a priority to engage local trades to ensure coverage and manpower availability for all packages. They do their best to break down the work packages into manageable scopes to facilitate local contractors who can compete for the project. 

HAS THE CONTRACTOR/PROJECT MANAGER FOR THIS PROJECT USED CONTRACTORS FROM OUR AREA ON ANY PRIOR PROJECTS?

Yes, most recently local contractors were used in a project with an electrical contractor in Beloit, Kansas, for a project in central Kansas. 

WHEN WILL CONSTRUCTION START IF THE BOND IS PASSED? WHAT WILL BE DONE FIRST? ARE COMPLETION DATES GUARANTEED?

Upon a successful bond election and the security of the bond funding, the design process would start and take approximately 6-8 months. At the outset of the design process, a full sequence and project schedule would be developed. This schedule will include estimated durations and completion dates for construction. 

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