The Kansas City Star’s endorsement in the Independence School District bond | Opinion
Fairmount Elementary School in Independence was built in 1924 — an addition was added to the 102-year-old building in 1950. But the school is in need of major upgrades. Aging Proctor and Korte elementary schools need renovations too, as do other facilities in the Independence School District.
On April 7, voters will be asked to approve a $60 million no-tax-increase bond issue that would fund major facility improvements at more than 20 sites throughout the district.
If approved, revenue from the bond would be used to remodel the three elementary schools mentioned above. Renovations at each site would include: Reconfigured classrooms, safer and more accessible buildings and updated plumbing and electrical systems. Interior improvements would be made to the schools’ floors, ceilings and other fixtures, according to the district.
Additional improvements would be made at the elementary-, middle- and high school levels, including a new artificial turf field at Van Horn High School’s Crysler Stadium and installing new windows at Three Trails Elementary School. Bridger Middle School would see remodeled music spaces, a new elevator, more custodian storage and an updated school nurse office.
Because all ISD students deserve a safe and modern learning environment to thrive in, and the proposal would not raise the tax rate in the district, we recommend a yes vote on the bond question in Independence.
GO bonds
Known as general obligation, or GO bonds, these bonds can only be used for building- and facility-related projects, according to the district. On a website dedicated to the proposal, the district described GO bonds as similar to a home loan or a mortgage that can be paid back over time using property tax revenue.
“When a district needs to repair buildings, add classrooms, replace old systems, or renovate aging schools… the district asks voters for permission to issue bonds,” the site reads.
None of the revenue generated from the bond can be used for salaries, programs, or day-to-day operations, according to the district.
“Bonds cannot be used for anything other than buildings and infrastructure,” the site reads.
Recent facilities upgrades
If approved, ISD could begin renovations in May 2026 and all major projects would be completed by next August, Cindy Grant, interim superintendent, told The Star. If the bond fails, major improvements would still happen but would take longer, according to Grant. Major renovations would be scrapped altogether though.
Independence voters have shown in the past a willingness to support similar facilities bonds having done so in 2021 and 2017. Twice in recent years, voters have also approved tax levies to increase teacher pay.
We see very little reason why that support should stop now and recommend voters say yes to the no-tax-increase bond question in Independence.