Bond Issue Approved by BOE

Board of Education members tonight approved a $142.6 million bond issue that will be voted on April 8^th.  The vote was 7-0.  Board President Janel Johson said, “It provides an excellent opportunity that we could not do before because we did not have the resources.”  Approval of the bond issue will not increase the district’s mill levy.

Board members approved the plan submitted by the District Facilities Committee.  The school district would see improvements across the district in technology and security including the construction of FEMA approved shelters.  Modular classrooms would be replaced, a new preK-8 school would be built next to Jardine Middle School, renovation of all high school and middle school science classrooms would take place and air conditioning would be added to all high school and middle school gymnasiums.

High school students at Capital City would relocate to the Boisen Building as Capital City becomes the Topeka Center for Advanced Learning and Careers.  Avondale West, Shaner and Bishop Elementary Schools would close with students attending the new preK-8 school.   Shaner would become a pre- kindergarten school and Bishop would be converted into a professional development center.