Scott County Central voters will decide no-tax increase bond issue

Scott County Central School District Superintendent Brian Hukel on Monday, March 27, 2023, points out one of the many radiators located in the hallways of the elementary building. Scott County Central voters are being asked to approve a no-tax increase bond issue on April 4 so the district can remove the radiators from the elementary hallways and classrooms along with the window air conditioning units in those spaces and replaced with a new and efficient HVAC system that will improve air quality throughout individual classrooms and the building. (Leonna Heuring/Standard Democrat)

SIKESTON — Voters in the Scott County Central School District will consider on Tuesday, April 4 a no-tax rate increase bond issue to upgrade the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems in the elementary building.

On Tuesday, voters in the SCC district will be asked to approve Proposition K.I.D.S., or Keep Improving District Schools, which is a general obligation bond to borrow $1 million for the purpose of providing funds to replace HVAC systems districtwide and complete other repairs and improvements to the existing facilities of the district as funds are available. If approved, the adjusted debt service levy of the school district is estimated to not increase and remain at 70 cents per $100 of assessed valuation of real and personal property.

“If it passes, we will upgrade our HVAC systems in the front elementary wing which would include the very antiquated boiler system and all of the elementary classroom window units,” Superintendent Brian Hukel said, adding the current systems are not efficient, very high maintenance and do not provide good air quality for a conducive learning environment.

The outdated and inefficient window air conditioning units and radiators under the windows are seen in an elementary classroom at Scott County Central Elementary. (Leonna Heuring/Standard Democrat)

Funds from the bond would be used replace the existing HVAC systems with new, centralized heating and air systems. Impacted areas include: the four hallways in the front wing, which currently have multiple radiators in them; 12 classrooms which have two radiators and window air conditioning units in each; and the K-12 kitchen and cafeteria which currently do not have any air conditioning.

With the new systems, the boiler would not be needed, Hukel said, adding the district has repaired the boiler system as much as it can. A lot of money has been put into repairing it over the years, but another issue the district faces with the boiler is finding replacement parts because it’s so outdated, the superintendent said.

“The elementary classrooms each feature two radiators and window air conditioning units that have also become outdated and inefficient,” Hukel said.

A schematic of the building depicting which areas would be improved and impacted by the approval of the bond issue sits in the high school lobby for patrons to view, the superintendent said.

“If the no-tax increase bond issue is approved by voters, it will improve efficiency, reduce maintenance costs and drastically improve the air quality in the elementary wing,” Hukel said.

A four-sevenths majority, or 57.2%, is needed for the issue to pass.

Voters in the Scott County Central School District will also decide the school board race. There are three spots available on the board with two declared candidates, Tracy Foster and Matt Deane. Voters can also write-in candidates. The terms are for three years.

Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday.