2026 is an election year. Most of the attention, both locally and statewide, deals with the primary election in August before the general election in November. But one area school district has a special election coming next week.
Voters in USD 417 Morris County’s coverage area, including part of northwest Lyon County, will go to the polls March 3 to determine whether a $31.5 million bond proposal will lead to construction. The 30-year bond would lead to numerous improvements at Council Grove Junior/Senior High, Council Grove Elementary and Prairie Heights Elementary:
*At Council Grove Junior/Senior High, a new secure entry would be created while outdated building areas would be eliminated. A new academic addition would include a centralized media center and new career and technical education classrooms, while existing CTE spaces would be renovated and the fine arts and auditorium area would see updates. New parking areas would also be developed
*At Council Grove Elementary, modular and portable classrooms are set for removal, while the annex would be renovated into an Early Childhood Center and 11 flexible classrooms would be built as part of a new addition. Multi-purpose space would be renovated, while parking enhancements are also planned
*At Prairie Heights Elementary, the main entry would updated and secured, while former locker areas will be renovated
USD 417 indicates the bond would lead to a 5-mill increase for residential property valued at $200,000, an increase of $9.58 per month or $115 per year. For commercial property, the increase would also be 5 mills, almost $21 a month or $250 per year. 5-mill increases would also apply for dry cropland, meaning an increase of 35 cents per acre per year, and for grassland at an extra 15 cents per acre per year.
