The Seward Public Schools Board of Education voted unanimously Nov. 10 to seek a bond election. The proposed bond would address safety and school security, educational facility enhancements to support curriculum, and maintain financial responsibility.
This bond election will be a mail-in ballot with ballots mailed out to registered voters the week of Jan. 19, with all ballots needing to be returned by Feb. 10 by 5 p.m.
The projects identified by the district total $25 million. The bond does not raise the tax rate due to the financial prudence of the board in paying off the bond that built Seward Middle School.
“The bond is an investment in our district facilities that have served students well over the years and will continue with needed upgrades and remodeling,” Superintendent Dr. Josh Fields said.
The projects identified in a building study and through input from staff and community include:
Improved safety and security
● Secure entrances at the elementary school and high school
● Storm-enhanced classroom additions at the elementary school, along with ADA bathroom upgrades
● HVAC additions in the high school original gym and the elementary gym
● Storm-enhanced rooms at the high school
Educational facility enhancements
● Four-room science addition
● Vocal music room renovation
● Art room renovations
● Career and technical education room renovations
● Animal Science Building
● Athletic upgrades at high school, including track, football field, bleachers, concession stand and ADA-compliant restrooms
● Middle school four-lane track
● Legion Field upgrades at Plum Creek Park
Maintain financial responsibility
The middle school bond will be paid off, which would result in a no tax rate increase and a continuation of the existing tax rate.
More information about the bond is available at https://sites.google.com/sewardschools.org
The School District of Seward has received the highest classification rating of “Excellent” from the Nebraska Department of Education since the rating scale was implemented in 2017. The projects identified ensure its facilities meet the safety, academic and activities standards of excellence for future generations.
