Supporters of the 2 bonds potentially leading to new facilities for USD 251 North Lyon County say the bonds are needed so students don’t have to worry about having “good enough” learning environments for the 21st Century.
Kiley DeDonder and Jessica Kellison joined KVOE News for a special Issues Forum on Thursday to discuss the nearly $26 million bond for a new high school outside North Lyon County Elementary/Junior High and an over $5 million bond to build a new athletics complex near Americus. Both say the district’s Strategic Plan Committee did its best to listen to patrons before floating the bonds. If both bonds are approved by voters, Kellison says the total levy increase will be 21 mills. If the school only is approved, the increase is 17 mills.
DeDonder says there is a definite return on investment if the bonds are passed, saying the bonds will lead to a 21st Century learning environment.
The current conversation is over 3 years old now, but the general conversation dates back decades — including 3 separate and unsuccessful tries to either build a new K-12 campus or a K-8 building.
DeDonder and Kellison say it was painful to go through the failed votes 10-12 years ago.
If the bonds don’t pass, the district will re-engage with patrons and work towards a different solution, possibly focusing on renovations to Northern Heights.
USD 251 is not moving forward with this venture unanimously. Issues have been mentioned with the dollar amount, as well as the plan to build in and near Americus. Concerned Citizens of North Lyon County did not confirm interest in a 2-sided Issues Forum, which is why USD 251 Together was only on the program. KVOE News has offered Concerned Citizens a separate Issues Forum program, but there has been no movement on that.
On Tuesday, the KVOE News Issues Forum focuses on Emporia’s data center and battery energy storage system ballot questions. Jay Vehige and Edgar Esparza will represent Emporia Neighbors United, which is in favor of the questions. Casey Woods will represent Emporians for Progress, which is opposed.
On Oct. 22, representatives of Vote Yes for Emporia’s Future will talk about the sales tax question to fund a new public recreation center near Jones Aquatic Center and renovations to Lee Beran Rec Center. That Issues Forum will be at 10:06 am.
