No School on Friday, March 22, 2013

Due to inclement weather and hazardous roads, school has been cancelled for Friday, March 22, 2013.

Kirbyville R-VI Bond Issue Information

Proposition A: $1,650,000 NO TAX INCREASE General Obligation Bond for the construction of tornado safe shelters at both campuses and other facility repairs, renovations, and improvements.

Election Day is Tuesday, April 2, 2013.

Why seek a NO TAX INCREASE bond issue to complete these projects now?

The devastation of the May 2011 Joplin tornado caused the Kirbyville School Board to assess the district's ability to provide a safe shelter for children during severe weather.

After the Branson Leap Day tornado, the planning became a priority, as the path traveled through parts of the Kirbyville School District.

The present interest rate bond market is at a historic low.

Construction costs remain relatively low and comparable projects are generating very competitive bids which will result in savings in the overall project.

How will the bond issue proceeds be spent?

Click here to see the site plan.

 ***Construction of tornado safe shelters at both campuses.  ***

 The elementary tornado safe shelter will double as locker rooms.
Click here for the elementary plan.

The middle school tornado safe shelter will double as a multipurpose room.
Click here for the middle school plan.

 ***Upgrade and expand the elementary gym seating to increase capacity and become ADA compliant and to construct a concession stand. ***

 ***Upgrade and expand the middle school gym with a stage, coach's office and storage room. ***

 ***Construct a single bay bus maintenance facility. ***

 Currently the district has no indoor facility for our transportation staff to work on buses. Through a cooperative arrangement with Hollister School District, time is scheduled in their maintenance facility around their maintenance needs. These routine tasks are completed by Kirbyville personnel. However, when on a rainy morning during the daily bus inspection a bulb must be replaced before that day's route can be run, it has to be taken care of in the rain and in the dark.

 ***Finish the middle school baseball field with the addition of lighting and a concession stand with restrooms. ***

Currently, for the safety of the players on both teams, baseball games must be ended when it becomes too dark to play rather than when the game is actually over. A temporary trailer has been loaned to us during baseball season, but it is difficult to use when there is wind due to its movement and does not allow for adequate storage for concession items. Finally, without permanent restroom facilities, Kirbyville players and fans, as well as our guests, must use portable restrooms, which is an unpleasant situation and not as sanitary as permanent facilities.

***Provide furnishings and equipment for the projects outlined above. ***

 Questions and Answers

Will this bond issue raise my taxes?

No, this is a NO TAX INCREASE bond issue and voter approval will not increase the District's current debt service tax levy, which is dedicated to repayment of the bonds. The current debt service fund levy is adequate to repay the $1,650,000 of new bonds.

Will my taxes go down if I vote "no" on this NO TAX INCREASE bond issue?

No. It is currently the Board of Education's policy to maintain a constant debt service tax levy of .9000 cents, which has been in effect for over a decade. This debt service policy is both fiscally responsible and helps to ensure prudent use of resources and better plan for future district needs. 

How were these projects determined?

Various program reviews, which are comprised of committees of parents, teacher, staff, and administrators, and board members, are presented annually at the monthly school board meetings. It is from these program reviews and a comprehensive facility study by the school's architectural firm that the total proposed project was developed.

What other questions do you have?

To obtain more information about the NO TAX INCREASE bond issue, please contact Mr. Carless Osbourn, superintendent of schools at 417-337-8913 or by email: carless.osbourn@kirbyville.k12.mo.us

The Kirbyville School District appreciates the support and efforts of all who have helped with this project. Providing a high quality education in a safe environment for our students and teachers is the ongoing obligation of the community and school district. Thank-you. 

 

Safety first...

From the Missouri School Safety Newsletter: "The Red Cross just launched a Tornado App for Smartphones.  They also have free apps for Wildfires, Hurricanes, Earthquakes, First Aid, and Shelter Finders.   The link is: http://www.redcross.org/mobile-apps/"