Younger Voices Support For USD214 Bond Issue

I’ve heard that our maintenance department needs to do a better job of maintaining the equipment. When the newest building was built in the early 1970’s that isn’t a fair statement.”

- State Representative Dave Younger

I am writing to voice my support for the USD 214 School Bond vote.  Over the past few weeks I have been asked what I think of the bond proposal.  My response, “I 100 percent support the proposal.”

As the former school superintendent I worked with several different Boards of Education prior to this proposal who laid the foundation for the current proposal.  In fact, if not for COVID we would be knee deep in construction right now.

I’ve heard numerous comments about an increase in taxes.  Our community has been extremely fortunate as the district paid off the last bond during the 2012-2013 school year. Every board of education I worked for during my tenure was extremely conscientious of spending taxpayer’s dollars.  During these years there were multiple Capital Outlay small projects that were able to help improve and maintain our buildings.  Again, during this time no debt was incurred by the district.  However, there are only so many “small” projects that could happen with Capital Outlay.  The major projects can’t be financed using this process. 

I’ve heard that our maintenance department needs to do a better job of maintaining the equipment.  When the newest building was built in the early 1970’s that isn’t a fair statement.  It’s difficult to get parts for household appliances that were manufactured ten years ago, much less 50 plus years ago!  They do a phenomenal job with what they have to work with. 

Finally, I’ve been asked about putting seventh and eighth grade students with high school kids.  I can understand the parent concern, but there are school districts across Kansas that are PK-12 buildings, 6-12 buildings, 7-12 buildings. You name it and there is probably a configuration.  I’ve talked with parents, teachers, and administrators in some of these districts and they have assured me they’ve had minimal issues with these grade configurations. 

In closing, a YES vote will be a vote to improve the quality of education for the students in USD 214.  Your support will lead to better learning environments and enhanced opportunities for current and future generations.

Thank you for your continued support of the students of USD 214!