The Trenton R-9 School District will have a $3.5 million bond issue on the April 2 ballot to fund upgrades to facilities. The improvements would include fixing the roofing at Trenton Middle School, installing a new HVAC system, and adding new building automation controls.
Superintendent Daniel Gott reports that the district would also receive a new district-wide phone system, noting the current system is outdated.
The district received a School Safety Grant last year, which allowed for the installation of bullet-resistant glass and some new doors at some of its buildings. He says this project revealed how outdated many of the exterior doors are. If the bond issue is approved, it would facilitate the replacement of many exterior doors across all three buildings and the installation of an even thicker version of the bullet-resistant glass in many of those doors.
If there were funds still available after those projects, Gott says, some smaller projects would be undertaken.
The bathrooms at C.F. Russell Stadium are a long-term need. The district would also look at upgrades at C.F. Russell, especially under the stadium, if there were funds left.
Gott hopes most of the projects would be completed over the summer to minimize disruption to students and staff.
The bond issue would allow Trenton R-9 to maintain what it already has.
The district maintains a 90-cent debt service levy. It has restricted funds, including those for operating, teachers, and debt service. Currently, nothing can be done regarding the operating or teachers’ funds. The bond issue only involves the debt part of the levy, as Gott notes, the funds are “very separate things.”
The bond issue will be directed toward physical improvements to the district’s campus.
Gott confirms that the bond issue is not tied to enrollment.
The performing arts center is cited as an example of what can be achieved with a bond issue, with Gott noting that was a larger bond issue. He emphasizes that the needs addressed by the bond issue on the April 2 ballot are just as critical, although the projects are not as large.
He argues that a building needs to be comfortable to provide a conducive learning atmosphere.
The $3.5 million bond issue would require a two-thirds majority to pass.
Community members can schedule a meeting with Gott to discuss the bond issue on the April 2 ballot by calling the district office at 660-359-3994. He is available to speak with organizations that seek more information on how they can support the measure, the work being done, and why he believes the bond issue is vital for the students, staff, and the future of the district.
More information is also available on the Trenton R-9 School District website.
