Proposition K.I.D.S.
April 2025 $1.5 Million Bond Issue
When:
General election held on April 8, 2025.
Why:
For the purpose of providing funds to complete heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) improvements; to construct, equip, and furnish additional Elementary School classrooms; to the extent funds are available, complete other repairs and improvements to the existing facilities of the district.
What:
If this proposition is approved, the adjusted debt service levy of the School District is estimated to increase from $0.0000 to $0.6500 per one hundred dollars of assessed valuation of real and personal property.
The proposed bond projects contribute to the overall enhancement of the educational environment. Here's a look at the key projects that will be prioritized with the allocated funds:
- HVAC improvements to aging systems that have required increased repair and maintenance costs.
- To the extent possible, provide additional elementary classroom space to replace the current use of aging modular buildings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a bond issue?
A: A bond issue is a traditional way for schools to borrow money to pay for capital projects that are too costly for a typical budget. In Missouri, this requires voter approval.
Q: How does a bond issue work?
A: When voters approve a bond issue, the school district sells bonds to a purchaser who offers the lowest interest rate. These funds are used to complete the project and the debt is paid back over time. It is similar to a home loan.
Q: What percentage does it take to pass a bond issue?
A: A bond Issue must have just above 57% or 4/7 in yes votes.
Q: How does a bond issue protect money spent on students and teachers & support staff salaries?
A: General obligation bonds provide funds for capital improvements so that a school district does not have to use their operating funds (money used for educating students and paying the salaries for teachers and staff) on such improvements.
Q: What is the current debt service levy and what would it be if the bond issue passes or fails?
A: The current debt service levy is $0.0000. The debt service levy will increase to $0.6500 should the proposition pass. The debt service levy will remain $0.000 should the proposition fail.
Q: How is the tax levy calculated on my property?
A: Taxes are calculated on the assessed value of your home and personal property, which is determined by the county assessor, not the market value (or what you paid for it). You can look at your property tax receipt to determine the actual assessed value.
Q: What happens if the bond issue question does not pass?
A: Capital improvements will need to be put on hold, or the district could be forced to use operating funds (money used for educating students and paying the salaries for teachers and staff) to take care of emergency repairs or urgent capital improvement projects.
Q: When is the last day to register to vote?
A: The last day to register to vote is Wednesday, March 12, 2025. Visit the Osage County Clerk's Office link for more information.
Q: What is the ballot language?
Shall the Board of Education of the Osage County R-I School District, Missouri, borrow money in the amount of One Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($1,500,000) for the purpose of providing funds to complete heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) improvements; to construct, equip, and furnish additional Elementary School classrooms; to the extent funds are available, complete other repairs and improvements to the existing facilities of the District; and issue general obligation bonds for the payment thereof resulting in an estimated increase to the debt service property tax levy of $0.6500 per one hundred dollars of assessed valuation?
If this proposition is approved, the adjusted debt service levy of the School District is estimated to increase from $0.0000 to $0.6500 per one hundred dollars of assessed valuation of real and personal property.
Paid for by the Osage County R-I School District, 614 S. Poplar, Chamois, MO 65051. All content on this webpage is intended for informational purposes only. If you have a question, please call 573-763-5666.
