By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
Plainville USD 270 voters approved a $5.49 million bond and rejected a second $7.05 million bond in Tuesday’s election.
The proposal appeared as a two-question ballot, with each question addressing a separate group of projects at Plainville Elementary School and Plainville Junior-Senior High School.
Approval of question one will fund facility upgrades, such as HVAC and electrical updates, LED lighting installation, and restroom improvements.
The measure passed with 392 yes votes to 263 no votes.
Question two failed and would have funded classroom and entrance renovations at both schools, along with improvements to the Rock Gym and Cardinal Gym. The measure received 209 yes votes and 443 no votes.
USD 270 Superintendent Chris Rinehart said he is pleased with the results despite proposal two not passing.
"I understand that this was just the time our community wasn't ready to take on that much of a tax obligation," Rinehart said. "I am happy that we were able to at least get that proposal one through, and we are able to address those needs. I was hoping we would get both, but I'm still happy."
Each ballot question carried a different estimated impact on the mill levy. With only question one approved, the estimated increase will be one mill.
On a $100,000 home, a one mill increase is $11.50 per year. The median home value in Rooks County is $88,200.
Rinehart said restrooms will be updated to meet ADA standards, and the building will receive interior and exterior upgrades to prevent stormwater intrusion. He said work on some of the projects could begin as early as spring.
Proposal two would have also allowed the district to address safe and secure entrances for both schools. In addition to gym renovations, the Cardinal Gym would have included a new room designed as a storm shelter with a capacity of 550 people.
Rinehart said the district will continue to address safety through crisis committees. Security camera and monitoring system improvements have already been made.
"We're not going to be talking about a reconfiguration or remodeling our entries, but we'll definitely be talking about what we can do, whether it's through the enhancement of some technology or whatever it is we need to do," he said.
Rinehart said the district has a five-year facilities plan, from which several bond projects were drawn, and will review it again before deciding how to proceed with future improvements.
"I am happy that our voters are supporting us with proposal one. We'll definitely do our best to address those needs and be good stewards of the funding we will receive. We'll do what's best for the community and district," Rinehart said.