Ballots due soon for $389M Olathe school bond. What else on Johnson County ballots

Voters in three Johnson County jurisdictions have until Tuesday to turn in their ballots in order for them to count in a special election.

Olathe and De Soto public schools are approaching their voters with multimillion-dollar, no-tax rate increase bond proposals, and the city of Edgerton is proposing a 1% sales tax to help fund stormwater and street improvement projects.

School bonds can only go toward building, equipment and maintenance at school facilities. They cannot be used for teaching salaries, resources or daily expenses.

In Edgerton’s case, the sales tax allocations can only be used for stormwater and street-related improvement projects.

Olathe’s $389M bond

Olathe Public Schools put a $389 million bond referendum up for a vote to fund building maintenance, technology upgrades, improved athletic facilities and playground equipment, and school consolidation.

“Olathe Public Schools Bond 2026 represents a no tax rate increase, $389 million investment built on three pillars: Investing in What’s Working, Building on Excellence and Enhancing Community, all while protecting our taxpayers’ investment and ensuring students can learn and grow for years to come,” Olathe public schools spokesperson Erin Schulte said in a statement.

While the bond is structured to not directly increase taxes for voters, an approval would mean giving up a projected future reduction in taxes, keeping the current tax rate for longer.

In the past, the district proposed similar bonds to keep up with Olathe’s growth — with the most recent approval happening in 2022 for a $293.3 million bond.

However, this time around, the district faces declining enrollment.

About $68 million of the proposed bond would go toward school consolidation to account for its changing population and several buildings in disrepair.

If the bond passes, the district proposes combining Fairview and Northview elementary schools into a newly constructed school at the current Northview location. Similarly, Central and Ridgeview elementary schools would use bond funds to combine into a newly constructed school building at the Central site.

Bond dollars would also help rebuild Meadow Lane Elementary as the building, operational since the 1950s, faces frequent leaks, plumbing and electrical problems.

“We will enhance our community by updating elementary, middle and high school spaces to elevate quality and equity, while expanding athletics and activities opportunities that bring students, families and neighbors together,” Schulte said.

De Soto’s $99M bond

While enrollment declines in Olathe, De Soto is facing the opposite trend.

Due to a steadily rising population in the city, the De Soto school district is projected to see enrollment increase by about 200 students over the next five years, according to district data.

To help accommodate the projected increase in enrollment, the De Soto School District placed a $99.8 million bond on the ballot to help fund new special education spaces, early childhood education classrooms, safety upgrades, career and technical education expansion and additions to elementary and middle schools, according to the district’s website.

Similarly to Olathe, the bond is structured to not increase taxes for voters.

If approved, nearly $50 million will go toward the early childhood education facility to increase its capacity and decrease the waiting list, renovate facilities at secondary schools to support orchestra programs and expand the career technical education center to provide more opportunities for high school students in fields like health care, aviation and agriculture.

A little over $35 million will add fencing for elementary playgrounds and recreational areas, install secured key card access to exterior doors, and build storm shelters at middle schools. The remaining $14 million will help the district add classroom spaces to an elementary school and upgrade the special education facilities to help support students.

Edgerton’s sales tax

Like De Soto, Edgerton is eyeing growth in the future, however, the city needs to address its drainage problems and safety issues on the roads before more development can come to town.

Edgerton is proposing a 10-year, 1% sales tax to be geared toward infrastructure improvements, which could include new stormwater pipes or inlets, and street reconstruction projects.

The stormwater and streets sales tax “is about investing in better drainage solutions and reliable roads that protect our community for years to come,” the city said on its website.

The 1% sales tax would allocate 1 cent per every dollar of a purchase. Meaning, a resident would pay 30 cents for a $30 meal within city limits. If approved, Edgerton estimates that it could collect approximately $7 million in revenue over its 10-year lifetime.

If it doesn’t get approved, infrastructure projects would remain unfunded until a funding source is identified, according to the city website.

How to vote

All ballots must be received, not postmarked, by the Johnson County Elections office before noon on Tuesday.

Voters casting their ballots for the special elections can drop their ballots off at these locations:

• Edgerton Library: 319 E. Nelson St.

• Former De Soto Fire Station: 33150 W. 83rd St.

• Johnson County Election Office: 2101 E. Kansas City Rd.