Republic voters to decide $16 million bond issue on Tuesday

Measure would help district with future growth
 
When they go to the polls on Tuesday, April 6, voters living inside the Republic R-3 School District will be asked to approve a measure permitting the district to issue $16 million in general obligation bonds. The money from the bonds would go to build a new Early Childhood Center with an attached high-wind shelter on land owned by district at the corner of Hines and Hampton, build a gymnasium and high-wind shelter for Schofield Elementary (Schofield is the only school in the district without a gymnasium), and to purchase property on which to build a new school building in the next four or five years. The bonds would create no change in the current tax levy.
Supt. Pearce confident in voter support
Dr. Matt Pearce, superintendent of schools, said he is very confident that the voters will approve the measure, based on what he’s heard from the community.
“At this point the feedback from the community has been very positive,” he said. “Our parents and community can see the growth happening in our school district.
 Many have shared that the proposed no tax levy increase bond makes sense and is a good step to try and stay ahead of the growth.”
Those who are uncertain about passing the measure, Pearce said, should consider the benefits that it will bring to the district.
“We would like to remind (uncertain voters) that we are trying to be proactive, help manage the expected growth, increase our capacity to serve our youngest learners and the community and help ensure our PreK through fifth grade students and staff have a safe place to shelter when tornadoes occur,” he said. “Additionally, we have a history of being good stewards of the resources voters have provided for us.”
Virtual Community Meeting
To help answer questions about the levy, a virtual community meeting will be held on Thursday, April 1.
“During the virtual meeting we will share an overall summary of the proposed projects and talk about the why behind them,” Pearce said. “In addition, we will be answering questions that have been submitted by the community.”
Path of improvement
Pearce also said approving the measure will help the district stay on its path of continual improvement.
“During the past eight years, our district has been on a fantastic journey of doing what is best for students and academic improvement across our system,” he said. “This year, we have worked to have seated school, extra-curricular activities, co-curricular activities and have been awarded the first model PLC District recognition in the state of Missouri. Supporting our schools through the April 6 no tax levy increase bond is a great next step to help us stay ahead of growth, address the needs of our youngest learners and help ensure safety during severe weather. Lastly, this will keep us on the path to better serve our students, families, community and staff.”