Voters who reside in West Elk-282 will go to the polls next Tuesday, Nov. 3, to say “yes” or “no” to a $5.55 million proposal that will greatly impact the makeup of schools in the district.

The basic question will be whether to close elementary schools currently operated in Moline and Severy and construct a new elementary school on the campus where West Elk Junior/Senior High School and the district office are located, south of Howard.

In addition to building the new grade school, the current bus parking area and some utilities will be relocated, and improvements  made to the bus lane, driveway and parking lot.

Those supporting the plan say a  new facility configuration will provide more efficient operation of schools and will allow the board of education to reduce the Local Option Budget mill levy.

Supporters say the existing school buildings will be “repurposed” for other community-oriented ventures.
Estimates indicate the new building will save the district $500,000 per year for operation and eliminate the costly maintenance, estimated in excess of $500,000, of the district’s aging elementary facilities.

If the bond passes, the projected monthly cost to a homeowner with a $50,000 home is $8.41.  The projected monthly landowner cost on 160 acres of grassland is $4.30 and 160 acres of dry crop land is $8.78.  Commercial owners could expect $27.42 monthly on a $75,000 property value.

If approved by voters, the project will be financed through the sale of general obligation bonds.  It is anticipated that the bonds will be structured with a 15-year repayment schedule at an average interest rate of approximately 4.25%.

Under the current school finance formula, the State of Kansas will pay 29% of all principal and interest payments due on the district’s bond issues.  This equates to approximately $2,336,847 of the principal and interest payments due on the district’s proposed bond issue that will be paid by the State of Kansas.

The plans include a 5,000 square foot gym/FEMA safe room which could be reimbursed by FEMA at a rate of $75 per square foot resulting in a $375,000 reimbursement.

Polls will open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. on Tuesday.

Voters residing in Howard City, Howard, Painterhood, Paw Paw, Liberty and Union Center townships will vote at the Cox Building in Howard.

Residents of Moline City, Wildcat and Greenfield townships, and Caneyville, Center and Lafeyette townships of Chautauqua County, will vote at the Moline Community Building.

Voters residing in Elk Falls City and Elk Falls and Longton townships will vote at the Longton Senior Center.

Residents of Severy City and Twin Grove and Salt Springs townships of Greenwood County, will vote at the Severy Methodist Church Annex.