The Star’s endorsements on North KC, Park Hill, Platte County school district bonds | Opinion

On April 8, voters in several Missouri school districts will be asked to approve borrowing for millions of dollars in improvements projects: better, safer classrooms, performance and athletic facilities, playgrounds, even expanded parking.

Some of these proposals can be accomplished without raising tax rates. Others ask for a modest investment from property owners to pay for the improvements.

We believe these asks are reasonable, and essential. Local taxpayers must step up to maintain and improve school facilities, in part because the state government and Washington, D.C., have clearly turned their backs on kids. Using operating cash for major renovations isn’t possible.

Three Missouri school districts — North Kansas City, Park Hill, and Platte County R-III — deserve voters’ particular attention. We recommend a yes vote on their ballot questions.

Remember: Bonds for bond issues and construction require a 57.1 percent majority to pass. That means every yes vote is critical to passing these measures.

North Kansas City: $175 million bond issue

The growth in the North Kansas City District is astonishing. Roughly 21,000 students now attend classes in this sprawling district, making it one of the largest in Missouri.

The current board is asking voters to endorse a $175 million bond package. The money would help build performing arts facilities at Oak Park and Winnetonka High Schools. It would also provide funds for major renovations at New Mark and Northgate middle schools in the district.

Oakwood Manor Elementary would get a new gym.

Lighting, paint and flooring improvements are planned. Roofing, road asphalt and air conditioning systems would be repaired and upgraded. District officials say these repairs would have to be paid for with operating funds if the bond fails, potentially causing reductions in education programs.

The district says the property tax rate won’t go up to pay for the new bond program. That’s welcome news, but be careful: If the value of your home or other property goes up, your tax bill almost certainly will go up (that’s true even if the bond doesn’t pass, by the way).

The North Kansas City District has worked hard to improve its building inventory, embarking on a renovation and rebuild program some time ago. By all accounts, those projects have been successful — that’s why enrollment is growing.

We urge a yes vote on the North Kansas City bond question.

Park Hill School District: Propositions G and O

Voters in the Park Hill district face two questions on the April 8 ballot. Both would raise property taxes: Proposition G would provide funds for teacher and staff salaries, and needs a simple majority; Proposition O would allow borrowing for $128 million in school improvement projects, and needs a 57.1 percent margin.

The Park Hill School District includes much of Platte County, including Riverside, Parkville, Weatherby Lake and Platte Woods. Roughly 11,500 students are enrolled in the district.

Proposition G would raise about $6 million annually for teacher salaries and recruitment. It is no secret that the Kansas City region competes for teachers and staff, and any district that wants to retain its quality instructors must pay reasonable wages. Statistics suggest Park Hill is roughly in the middle of similar districts in pay and benefits.

Proposition G would raise those salaries, making it easier to recruit and maintain quality teachers. That’s essential in a district like Park Hill.

Proposition O would allow issuance of $128 million in bonds for school projects. The funds would be used to begin the process of building a new Park Hill High School, as well as security improvements and additions at several elementary schools.

If both proposals pass, the annual cost to the owner of a $200,000 home in the district would be $152, the district says. If only Prop G passes, the cost is $38 a year.

We think Park Hill’s needs are clear: modern, safe facilities and quality teachers. We recommend a yes vote on Propositions G and O.

Platte County School District: $62 million bond issue

This relatively rural district includes Platte Countians who live north and west of Kansas City International Airport. It also takes in some neighborhoods east of the airport.

Roughly 4,300 students attend schools in Platte County R-III.

The district’s bond proposal includes construction required to consolidate teaching functions at Platte County High School. The funds would also allow improvements to playground facilities and expand parking at an elementary school.

District officials say the bond package can be paid for with the current levy.

We think the district makes a good case for the bond package, especially the high school improvements. We urge Platte County voters to say yes.

This story was originally published April 2, 2025 at 5:08 AM.