To continue progress in Hickman Mills, vote ‘yes’ on bond issue and re-elect school board incumbents

The Hickman Mills School District is working hard to reverse a recent history of decline.

It has a visionary superintendent, Dennis Carpenter, and a solid strategic plan that starts with high-quality early childhood education for all preschool-age childen in the district’s boundaries.

But the buildings in this south Kansas City district don’t reflect recent progress. They are aged and run down. Aside from the Freda Markley Early Childhood Center, which opened in 2010, all district buildings are at least 45 years old.

Hickman Mills students and families deserve modern, welcoming facilities. On April 5, voters in the district should give a resounding “yes” to the district’s request for a $19 million bond issue that will not raise taxes.

The money would be used over five years for work at each of the eight elementary schools, plus major improvements at Ruskin High School, Baptiste Educational Center and the Hickman Mills Freshman Center.

The freshman center, which has the capacity to serve many more students than it currently does, would also become the home of Smith-Hale Middle School. The building currently serving that purpose would close.

Four classrooms would be added to Ruskin High School. The Baptiste Educational Center would become home to up to 450 elementary students and a welcoming center for new students and parents.

The school board also recently approved a positive plan that will help address heating, air conditioning, lighting and plumbing problems at its buildings.

The proposed bond issue has the support of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, South Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, South Kansas City Alliance and other business and civic groups. They understand that modern buildings are an essential step in Hickman Mills’ path of improvement.

Voters in the district will also find a contested school board race on the ballot. Incumbents Shawn Kirkwood and Byron Townsend are seeking a second term and deserve re-election. Newcomer Evelyn Hildebrand is also vying for one of the two open seats.

Kirkwood, the board president, is a steady, hard-working leader who has helped to bring stability and integrity to the school board. Townsend has grown into his role and provides valuable insight into labor contracts and issues. The board is working well and consistency is needed for the district to continue its improvement plan.

This story was originally published March 23, 2016 at 4:32 PM with the headline "To continue progress in Hickman Mills, vote ‘yes’ on bond issue and re-elect school board incumbents."