Johnson County voters in Kansas have approved a $389 million bond measure that will allow the Olathe School District to build two new elementary schools to replace four aging facilities, rebuild another elementary school, and support a range of infrastructure, technology, and safety upgrades. The measure passed with 63% of the mail-in ballots in favor.
Central to the bond-funded projects are two pairs of merging schools becoming one. Fairview and Northview Elementary will become a new school on the Northview campus. Ridgeview and Central Elementary will become a new school on the Central campus. Another elementary school, Meadow Lane, the district’s oldest school, will be replaced with new construction at its current campus.
While district officials emphasize that the bond does not cause a tax increase, taxes had been set to marginally decrease if the bond had not passed. Owners of a $400,000 home would have paid $48 less annually.
The consolidation and renewal effort comes as buildings age and enrollment declines. Enrollment has dropped in recent years, with the district losing roughly 1,800 students since its peak in 2019. That trend is expected to continue for the next 15 years. The district projects fewer than 26,000 students by 2040.
The bond also funds districtwide upgrades intended to improve equity among schools:
- Infrastructure and facilities — HVAC, roofs, paving and building renovations.
- Safety and security — fencing and other security improvements.
- Educational spaces — fine arts and athletics areas, locker rooms and weight rooms.
- Student amenities — playground equipment, furniture.
- Technology — device and systems upgrades.
A push for new athletic fields has been on the planning list since 2022, but district officials have also discussed the possibility of shared athletic field use if the Kansas City Chiefs move forward with plans for a nearby practice facility.
Photo by Pixabay
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