Trenton R-IX School District
Frequently Asked Questions About the No-Tax Increase Bond Levy
Q: What is a bond issue?
A: A “general obligation bond issue” is a debt of the School District that is payable from taxes against property within the School District. The proceeds the District receives from the sale of the general obligation bonds will be used to pay the costs of various capital improvements to District facilities. Principal and Interest payments come from an annual “debt service property tax levy” that is levied against all property within the boundaries of the District.
Q: What will the cost be for taxpayers?
A: This bond issue requires no tax rate increase. The Trenton R-IX District currently collects $.90 in debt service funds, and if approved, will continue to collect $.90 debt service funds.
Q: What is required to pass the bond issue?
A: For the bond issue to pass, a four-sevenths super-majority (57.14%) is required.
Q: How will the no tax rate increase bond issue appear on the April 2, 2019 ballot?
A: Shall Trenton R-IX School District of Grundy County, Missouri borrow money in the amount of $7,000,000 for the purpose of constructing, renovating, improving, furnishing and equipping school facilities of the District, including safety and security improvements, construction and equipping a performing arts center / storm shelter and completing facility maintenance and improvement projects throughout the District. If this question is approved, the debt service levy of the District is estimated to remain unchanged at $0.90 per one hundred dollars assessed valuation of real and personal property.
Q: What would the no tax rate increase bond issue pay for?
A: The no tax rate increase bond issue will allow our district to increase safety, address the need for a Performing Arts Center, and provide for upgrades to the Trenton High School and Middle School Library Media Center. Safety enhancements include a storm-safe Performing Arts Center that can be used by all Trenton High School and Middle School students, faculty, and guests. In addition to the Performing Art Center, a corridor system will be created to safely move students from THS and TMS to the current outside buildings of the Music Building and Vo-Ag complex. At S.M. Rissler Elementary a safe entry system will be designed to allow for safe movement of guests as they enter our elementary building. The bond funds will also allow for the construction of a concession stand and restroom facility at C.F. Russell Stadium and will provide for a more collaborative-friendly library with safety upgrades at THS and TMS.
Q: How did the district prioritize the proposed projects?
A: In the spring of 2017, the Trenton R-IX School District held a variety of Comprehensive School Improvement Meetings, better known as CSIP meetings. The members of the CSIP committee were divided into five smaller committees that researched and recommended plans to move the district forward. Four of the five committees recommended that the district investigate adding a performing arts center for our students and community. With this information, and the desire to improve safety aspects of the district, the Trenton R-IX Board of Education moved forward on a plan to prioritize projects for the Trenton R-IX School District.
Q: If approved, when would the proposed construction begin?
A: If approved during the April 2 election, the bonds would be sold to collect the $7 million dollars needed to complete the projects. Funds would most likely be deposited into the Trenton R-IX accounts in July of 2019, with construction of some portions of the project in late summer or early fall of 2019.
Q: When is election day?
A: If you are a patron of the Trenton R-IX School District, please don’t forget to vote during the April 2, 2019 election!