The first of four planned town hall meetings from USD 253 was held Thursday afternoon.
Local residents and patrons of USD 253 filled the gymnasium at Walnut Elementary School to discuss the district’s upcoming $78 million bond election for district improvements. The meeting included an opportunity to converse directly with district officials, seek clarification on improvement plans and take a tour of the facility. The tour included a look at the current classroom settings and a peek inside one of the “pilot” classrooms which will become the norm if the proposed bond is approved come September.
District patron Chris Metcalf was in attendance and says the tour was very eye-opening.
Three more town halls are planned in the coming weeks:
*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 is in the process of finalizing informational materials including an informational slide deck, a frequently asked questions document, informational flyers for enrollment packages and other materials. The district has been researching potential facility upgrades and enhancements since early last year. If approved, the proposed $78 million bond would increase the levy by 3 mils, based on current projections and would be repaid over the next 28 years.
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.
For further information visit usd.253.org or call the district office at 341-2200.
