Ballot language for a $15 million Dexter schools bond initiative is expected to be certified Tuesday, the same day administrators plan to meet with teachers and begin explaining their proposal.
The campaign to provide information to staff and the public kicks off ahead of an April 2 election.
The proposal asks voters to extend the current .80-cent debt service levy for approximately 20 years.
Projects would add or renovate close to 50,000-square feet across four campuses.
Plans also include repair or replacement of roofs for large sections of the high school, T.S. Hill Middle School and Southwest Elementary.
Work at the football field will include possible turf, drainage improvements, new bleachers, renovation of locker rooms and additional parking at a cost of about $4 million. The district has also kept plans for a training center.
About $2 million in district money will be added for total project costs of $17 million. The Board of Education has not finalized plans for how the additional $2 million will be paid, but is considering using low interest lease purchase debt. Payments for the second portion of funding would come from the district’s cash reserve.
Ballot language:
Shall the Board of Education of the Dexter R-XI School District, Missouri, without an estimated increase in the current debt service property tax levy, borrow money in the amount of Fifteen Million Dollars ($15,000,000) for the purpose of providing funds for the site development, acquisition, construction, equipping, furnishing and betterment of school facilities including, without limitation, safety and security upgrades; additional classrooms at Southwest Elementary and Central Elementary; a new multi-purpose facility at Central Elementary; roofing repairs and replacements at Southwest Elementary, the Middle School, and High School; a new sports complex including a football field, eight lane all weather track, bleachers, locker rooms, concessions, and parking; renovations to the Vo-Ag Building, High School Auditorium, Cafeteria, and Main Lobby; energy efficiency improvements and lighting upgrades; a new kitchen, parking lot, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) at the Middle School; to the extent funds are available, other repairs and improvements to existing facilities of the District; and issue bonds for the payment thereof?
(If this proposition is approved, the adjusted debt service levy of the School District is estimated to remain unchanged at $0.8000 per one hundred dollars of assessed valuation of real and personal property.)
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The following is a list of potential projects for Dexter schools that could be tackled under $17 million of spending, updated as of Dec. 18.
High school
• roof replacement
• Auditorium
Refinish walls, ceilings, wood floors at stage
Reseal concrete floors
Install carpet at aisles
Install new acoustical panels, sound system
Replace stage curtains, light fixtures, main electrical panel, special lighting for stage
• Cafeteria/lobby
Remove existing masonry wall
Remove and replace acoustical ceilings, floor tile
New vinyl base
Refinish walls
Replace doors off lobby, existing lighting at lobby with LED
•HVAC improvements
• Vo-ag
Repaint existing walls and ceilings
Replace acoustical ceilings, windows, interior and exterior doors
Install solar tube skylights
New LED lights, HVAC and ventilation system, exhaust system for welding and wood shop
Miscellaneous plumbing
3,000 square foot addition
• Football field
Turf for existing football field
Drainage
Track improvements, convert six lanes to eight lanes
Contingency for soil stabilization
Discus cage system
Shot put event center
Improve or replace retaining wall at front of bleachers
Add new bleachers home and visitor sides
Renovate existing locker rooms
New concessions with public restrooms
Relocate existing fencing
New locker room addition, 2,000 square feet
New training center, possible 6,700 square feet
Parking improvements and additions
T.S. Hill Middle School
5,000 square foot addition
Interior renovations
HVAC improvements
Front parking area drainage
Additional parking
Roof replacement
Central Elementary
18,000 square foot addition, classroom and multipurpose space
Southwest Elementary
8,200 square foot addition of six classrooms
Includes moving playground equipment
Work to add new drive at north end
Roof replacement
Lighting upgrades
Southwest Elementary
Bearcat Event Center
High school, interior and exterior