R-6 to host town hall to discuss $21-million bond issue

SIKESTON — Sikeston R-6 patrons have an opportunity to learn more about the district’s facilities plan, which includes a $21-million bond issue, during a town hall meeting Tuesday at the high school.

Set for 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Senior High “C” Building, the town hall will specifically address the district’s construction plan for phase two, which includes the $21-million bond issue placed before voters in April 2020.

“We are so thankful that the community supported the construction of Wing and we’re hoping to have that same local support as we put information out about this next bond issue,” said Sikeston R-6 Superintendent Dr. Tony Robinson.

Phase two would include the construction of a new first through fourth grade to accommodate 450 students (361 currently) on existing Lee Hunter Elementary site with an estimated coast of $13.4 million and the construction of a new “C” Building on the High School campus between “A” Building and the Math and Science Building with an estimated cost of $6.6 million.

During construction, Lee Hunter students would be moved to the existing Matthews Elementary facility on Elm Street until the new Lee Hunter building is completed. During this time, the current Lee Hunter Elementary will be removed (estimated cost is $500,000).

“A lot of work went into this plan prior to my arrival, and this is what we want to do based on all the information gathered from previous surveys, discussions and focus groups of the community,” Robinson said.

The district currently has a current 21-cent debt levy, which covers: 2005 Math and Science Center bonds, paid in full in March 2021; 2017 Wing Elementary bonds, paid in full in March 2037; and 2017 $3 million voter-approved bonds, sell date to be determined.

A $21-million bond issue would require: selling voter-approved 2017 bonds of $3 million (no additional levy); seeking voter approval in April 2020 for $18 million in new bonds, which would result in a 42-cent increase in the debt levy for a total debt levy of 63 cents.

Details about the bond issue’s impact to real estate/property taxes as well as other items related to the facilities plan will be available at the town hall and also on the district’s website, the superintendent said. Tax breaks are available for senior citizens meeting a certain criteria, he said.

The district’s other proposed project is a Kindergarten Center safe space. The plan is to construct a multi-purpose building/safe space on the kindergarten campus with partial funding by a FEMA grant which would require the district to match 25 percent of the cost (estimated at $400,000).

Robinson said the district is currently working with FEMA representatives to secure grant funding for this safe space. Grant timelines may prohibit inclusion on April 2020 bond ballot. 

If grant notification is received, the district will make the decision whether to include the space on the bond ballot or fund the space with local reserve dollars. If the space is included on the bond ballot, it is estimated to add an additional penny to the proposed debt levy increase.

The district hosted a town hall Sept. 5 at Wing Elementary when about 130 people attended the first town hall in September, the superintendent said.

“We hope to have more details to provide our communities and families, students and parents at each town hall meeting,” Robinson said.

The purpose of the town halls is simply to be transparent.

“We want people to see the high school building, and we will have another town hall at Lee Hunter because we want people to see the spaces while we are working to make them better,” Robinson said.

Feedback from the community so far has been about the timing of the project, he said.

“These projects would be happening simultaneously,” Robinson said. “We want people to get in the spaces as soon as possible.”

The district’s facilities plan would provide great schools, but it also helps to improve the community as a whole, Robinson said.

He said: “These will be beautiful buildings and spaces that our students, our parents and our community can continue to be proud of and celebrate.”

——

For more information about the district’s facilities plan, attend Tuesday’s town hall or visit the district’s official website: sikestonr6.org, Click on the “District Info” heading and then “District Facilities Plan.” Those who view the plan will see information on school tax, the tax impact and real and property tax examples.