Here is the list of projects that are included in our bond referendum. Vote November 5th.
Bond information video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oW-Bm_iVAKSMBAhiW-y_auxdmkntE9Fq/view?usp=drive_link
Bond Question of the Day - Change in Bond Formula -
Question: It seems like we used to get more bond money for a mill’s worth of taxes. Has something changed since the last bond election?
Answer: Yes, unfortunately, the state laws have changed, reducing the amount of bond and interest aid the district receives. Our previous bond was passed prior to July 1, 2015, when our state aid paid 57% of the bond and interest payments for us. For bonds passed after June 30, 2022, the state aid is much less. Our district now qualifies for 6% state aid, meaning 6% of each principal and interest payment is covered by the state. Unfortunately, this does mean it takes a larger mill increase for local taxpayers to make any bond and interest payments than it would have in the past. As a district with a low assessed valuation per pupil, we are one of the few districts in the state that still receives any state assistance with bond and interest payments. Interest rates also impact the bond payment and associated mill rate, but the state aid percentage is the biggest factor on why it takes more local effort to repay a bond.
No plans tonight? Now you do! Come out and support our chargers!
Winners of the Great Pumpkin Contest. Thank you Greta, from the Nortonville Public Library, for hosting the contest and for the prizes. We had two first place students who were absent today.
👟CHANGE OF TIME👟THE JCN BOYS WILL BE RUNNING AT 11:30 A.M.👟THIS WAS CHANGED THIS AFTERNOON👟PLEASE COME OUT AND SUPPORT OUR STATEBOUND BOYS CC TEAM👟SATURDAY, WAMEGO COUNTRY CLUB, 11:30 START TIME👟
🏈Come support our Charger Football team as they take
on the Cyclones in the Bi-District playoffs🏈All support
is greatly appreciated.🏈Go Big Green🏈705 Jessie Street. Wathena🏈
Mr. Courtney will be selling Junior class fundraiser candy bars at the middle school basketball gate tonight. Please purchase some and help support the Junior class.
Congrats to the following winners for October's art challenge, "lyrics"! 1st place: Essie Funk, 2nd place: Samantha Slifer, 3rd place: Izzy LeGrand. Thanks to James, one of our custodians, for judging for the month of October and for all those who participated!
Vote November 5th! Watch the bond overview video for bond-related information: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oW-Bm_iVAKSMBAhiW-y_auxdmkntE9Fq/view?usp=drive_link.
¡Feliz dia de los Muertos!
Miss Schmelzle's 5th grade students enjoyed learning about chemical reactions while making lava lamps. They also used teamwork and problem solving skills while trying to make the tallest pumpkin tower using toothpicks and candy pumpkins!🎃🧪
Bond Question of the Day - Classroom Additions -
Question: Why are you building two new classrooms? Isn’t there already space where these classes are meeting now in the Tech Building?
Answer: While it is true that we currently have physical space for the Ag and Tech classes, that space has several limitations that limit the instruction that can take place there. It was determined that building a new space was a cost-effective way to address these issues. At the same time, an addition to the main high school building will increase campus by eliminating the need to have doors on two buildings open during each passing period. The new Ag Classroom will provide space, climate control, and plumbing necessary for students to grow plants and engage in other ag science experiments in the classroom. The increased size of the technology classroom will allow for the addition of new technologies and equipment that the existing space can’t accommodate. Additionally, the existing technology classroom doubles as a large server closet. The new space will eliminate the heat and noise contamination to the learning environment that this equipment causes, as well as better control of access to the server equipment.
A secure entrance is essential for schools as it serves as the first line of defense in protecting students, staff, and visitors. It helps control and monitor access to the building, ensuring that only authorized individuals can enter. This setup deters potential threats, limits unauthorized access, and enhances the overall safety of the school environment. Secure entrances also provide peace of mind for parents, staff, and students, fostering a safer, more focused learning atmosphere by reducing risks and disruptions.
Bond Question of the Day - CMAR and Architect -
Question: Is it true the district already has hired an architect and construction manager at-risk for this bond project? Isn’t that a premature? What if the bond doesn’t pass?
Answer: Yes, the district has hired JGR Architects and DCS Services. Both of these firms provide the services necessary to have the accurate cost estimates needed to place the bond on the ballot. The district must ensure the bond amount will cover the projects that have been promised to the public without overestimating the amount needed by more than a small contingency for unforeseen construction issues. Both JGR and DCS have provided these pre-bond services free of charge. The district owes them nothing unless the bond passes and their work progresses to the design and construction phases. After bond passage, the architect will turn the preliminary designs and sketches into construction blueprints, and DCS Servies will bid out and supervise the construction work to ensure the district gets the best quality at the lowest possible price.
The November Board of Education meeting has been moved to November 4 @ 7:00 pm due to Veteran's Day on the regular meeting date.
Watch this short video on the district's great stewardship of taxpayers' money to ensure quality education and the lasting legacy of JCN. Go Chargers!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uAZGFwFlNV3i7pgUGndYRm-s0tWJ8suy/view?usp=drive_link
Bond Question of the Day - Future Bonds -
Question: Are there plans for more bonds to come after this one?
This is a thirty-year bond, and we do not plan to bring another bond before the voters until this new bond is paid off. Even after this bond is paid off, there are no plans for another bond. The district paid the last bond off 4 years early, saving taxpayers $186,000 in interest. We plan to pay this bond off early as well. Our board feels that setting the bond up for a longer term gives the district greater flexibility to adjust mill rates over the long-term to keep the mill rate more stable.
The bond projects focus on safety in having all students under one roof. The additions will allow an Ag classroom to be added to the high school to improve student learning opportunities. There would be no student transitions across the parking lot.
Bond Question of the Day - Mill Rate -
Question: How does USD 339’s mill rate compare to other districts in Kansas?
Answer: The total mill rate for all district funds is 47.755 mills. In 2023-24, the state average mill rate for school districts was 51.944 mills. USD 339 ranked 72nd lowest total school mill levy of the 286 school districts. If the bond passes, the additional 6.5 mills for bond and interest would move the district higher in the mill rate rankings. It is difficult to predict exactly where we would fall in the rankings due to other districts rates also increasing if they pass bonds; however, our ranking would likely be slightly above the mid-point of the 286 district mill rate rankings if our bond passes.
Come see us tonight at parent-teacher conferences in Nortonville for our new designs and apparel!
