The first of four town halls on the upcoming USD 253 facility improvement bond election will take place this week.
USD 253 will have a town hall at noon Thursday at the Walnut Elementary gymnasium. On KVOE’s Newsmaker 2 segment Tuesday, Superintendent Kevin Case said there will be discussion about the bond and the need for improvements. Tours will also be available.
Three more town halls are planned:
*July 11, 6 pm: Emporia Middle School cafetorium
*July 23, 7:30 am: Trusler Business Center
*July 31, 6 pm: Emporia High School library
The district has been researching potential facility upgrades and enhancements since early last year, and Case says the district has finalized a tentative plan involving new secure entrances, additional or renovated classroom spaces, adjustments to cafeterias or multipurpose areas, new or refurbished mechanical systems and parking flow adjustments districtwide along with new storm shelters where appropriate. District officials have proposed a $78 million bond that would increase the levy by 3 mils, based on current projections. The bond would be repaid over the next 28 years.
Case says ballots for the mail-in election should be in mailboxes by mid-August. They need to hand-delivered to the Lyon County Election Office inside the County Courthouse by noon Sept. 5. People mailing ballots need to send those out no later by Sept. 3.
Case encouraged people to get their questions answered before the election, either by attending the upcoming town halls, going online to www.usd253.org or by calling the district office at 341-2200.
