On November 4th, residents of the USD 294 school district will vote on a bond in the amount of $16,500,000 to fix urgent facility needs for our schools.

 

A Practical Solution

The USD 294 Board of Education listened to you. You asked for a less expensive solution that focuses on academic needs; this plan is $12 million less than the last proposal. The 2023 survey results showed residents consistently chose the one-campus solution as the smartest financial path forward because it saves money now and in the future. Combining schools cuts operating costs permanently, putting more dollars directly into student learning.

​

The Proposed Plan Creates:

• Updated plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and efficient lighting

• An accessible K-12 campus by adding an elementary school at the DCJ/SHS building

• Separate, secure entrances and staggered scheduling to keep age groups apart

• New fire safety systems that meet code

• Shared resources for long-term cost savings

• State historic preservation tax credits that can reduce the long-term costs of the bond

 

The plan doesn't include fancy extras—just reliable basics our students need to learn.

​

The Bottom Line: $3.5 Million in Tax Credits

While the project costs $16.5 million upfront, the project is being designed to qualify for $3.5 million in state historic preservation tax credits once completed.

All-in project cost: $16.5 million
State historic preserevation tax credits: estimated $3.5 million
Net community cost: $13 million

​​

​We Heard You: Smart Spending

After the last election, we surveyed the community about what level of investment they would support. Results showed nearly half support a $15 million project, with even stronger support when considering age-weighted returns.

​

Learn More

• The Needs → Review facility assessments and current problems

• The Plan → See architectural renderings and plan details

• Financial Impact →  How will the bond affect your property tax? Use the tax calculator

• Questions and Answers → Get answers to common questions

• How to Vote → Important election dates and links to register online

​

Join Us

You are invited to join us for a community information meeting to learn more about the bond.

 

October 21 at 6 p.m. in DCHS gym

​​

October 27 at 6 p.m. in DCHS gym

​

 

Safety, accessibility, reliable heating, working plumbing, efficient lighting, and dependable electricity, aren't luxuries--they're important aspects of a school's learning environment.