On Tuesday, voters in central Coffey County will vote on whether USD 244 Burlington will replace its existing elementary school.
Voters have before them a $45 million bond to build a new elementary school building. The district says the first-grade wing was fully renovated five years ago, but the rest of the current building hasn’t had major upgrades since the 1980s — making it challenging to “support modern education.” Board member Bob Plummer:
A full building-wide renovation process was considered, but the district says a project of that magnitude could meddle with learning. It also says there is no more space for expansion at the current location and parking is a “significant issue.”
Superintendent Craig Marshall says the plan is to build the new school on the same campus as the middle school and high school so all three school buildings are within a half-mile of each other.
The district says this project will also give elementary students a chance to use the current athletic complex while expanding the Burlington Early Learning Center. According to the district, it would also enhance access to student resources, strengthen collaboration and augment district.
Registered voters in the district are deciding on a 15-year bond to be funded by a 7.2-mill levy increase. The district says this would raise the district’s levy from 29.664 to 36.864 mills. Both numbers are lower than several similar-sized districts used for comparison purposes by USD 244, including USD 243 Lebo-Waverly, USD 245 Southern Coffey County and USD 434 Santa Fe Trail. Burlington administrators say the levy increase equates to a nearly $7 monthly tax increase on a $100,000 home.
If approved, construction could be done by fall 2027.
More information is available at usd244facilities.com.
