FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The election will be held May 6 and will be open to all registered voters in the USD 303 district. For more election details visit www.nesscountyks.gov/elections/elections-info.
The bond request is not to exceed $24 million.
A bond is a state-approved funding process for a set scope of projects. When voters approve a bond, the school district sells bonds in the authorized amount and uses the proceeds of the sale to pay for those projects in the bond. In many ways, the bonding process is like a homeowner obtaining a mortgage and making payments over a period of years. School bond elections require a simple majority to pass (50 percent plus one).
Bond funds can only be used for constructing, equipping, maintaining and furnishing district facilities. This makes bond funds different from the district's operating funds that are used to pay salaries, textbooks and other day-to-day expenses. Bond funds can only be used for brick-and-mortar projects and cannot be legally used for anything else. This is an important distinction to remember. Bond funds and operational/salary funds are separate, and according to state law, these funds cannot be used interchangeably.
The HVAC systems in both the Grade School and High School have exceeded their useful lifespan, frequently failing or requiring reinforcement. Additionally, there is a significant need for electrical upgrades, roof replacement, door and window replacements, and minor masonry repairs. The Board also recognizes concerns regarding ADA accessibility, the absence of proper storm shelters, and the deteriorating condition of the locker rooms in both buildings. In response, the Board of Education established the Community Committee to assess these needs and provide recommendations for pursuing a Bond Issue to address them.
During their initial meeting, the Committee conducted a facility tour to assess existing conditions. Beyond the identified infrastructure and safety concerns, the committee recognized that the gym space is inadequate for its level of use. Additionally, the Committee determined that the current weight room is overcrowded and unsafe.
The Pre-School does not have a dedicated storm shelter, requiring children to cross an alley to reach the Grade School during a storm event. At the Grade School, students take shelter in main floor restrooms, which lack reinforcement for severe weather protection. The High School relies on the north locker rooms, which are not handicap accessible and are located below grade, making them vulnerable to flooding.
This project will address / replace the following general and “Infrastructure” items: A) HVAC replacement & reinforcement at the Grade School and High School; B) Plumbing upgrades at the Pre-School, Grade School, and High School; C) Electrical and Lighting upgrades & additions at the Grade School and High School; D) Replacement of older Windows & Entrance Doors at the Grade School and High School; E) New Roofing at the High School Gym, Auditorium, and Library; F) Add ADA seating at the existing Gym; G) Structural and finish modifications as required for “Infrastructure” upgrades.
This project will update the existing Grade School Gym with HVAC, lighting, sound attenuation, a handicap accessible ramp, and aesthetic improvements.However, the current gym spaces are not sufficient to accommodate the needs of all USD 303 students. Between high school, junior high, and recreational teams, there is not enough time or space for students to practice at appropriate hours. Additionally, adding an additional gym allows our community to better host tournaments and community events, creating opportunities to attract visitors, boost revenue for businesses and stimulate the local economy.
Yes, the Grade School gym will continue to be used for PE, assemblies, recess in poor weather, etc., as well as a back-up facility for youth recreational team practices if scheduling requires. Improvements, including significant acoustical dampening, will make that space much more pleasant to use.
Several key upgrades would enhance the academic spaces. The HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems at both the Grade School and High School would be replaced or upgraded. Classrooms and offices in the 1941 section of the Grade School would be modernized, while select areas of the 1987 building would receive functional and aesthetic improvements. Secure entrances and storm shelters would be added to the Pre-School, Grade School, and High School, enhancing student safety. Original windows and exterior doors in both buildings would be replaced, and sections of the High School roof would be updated. The Auditorium would undergo renovations to maintain excellence for future generations. Overall, these improvements would enhance comfort, security, and aesthetics while extending the lifespan of the facilities for years to come.
Maintenance issues have been addressed as they arise, and outside consultants have affirmed this. However, normal maintenance budgeting does not provide for sufficient capital to replace major components when they are at end of life, and a capital project is required.
The classroom HVAC system at the High School was installed in 2015 and utilizes Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) technology. However, this system has generally struggled to provide adequate heating for the local climate. Additionally, it does not introduce fresh air into the building, a concern that has become even more significant since COVID. The proposed project includes supplementing the VRF system to enhance heating capacity and integrating fresh air ventilation to improve indoor air quality.
The Grade School roofs were replaced recently and still have many years of use remaining, so they do not require replacement. However, at the High School, the Gym, Auditorium, and Library roofs have reached the end of their lifespan and are included in this project for replacement.
Building on the street addresses several needs:
Allows for one tornado shelter to be shared by the G.S. & H.S., instead of one at each location.
Connects the buildings allowing travel between them under roof, providing a more secure facility.
Ensures elementary students can walk to lunch in a safe atmosphere without being exposed to inclement weather.
The Pre-School will receive a secure entrance, new kids’ toilets restroom that will double as a storm shelter, and renovation of the adult's restroom.
While some adjustments will be required, the Contractor will work closely with the District to ensure they are minimal. Additionally, there will be opportunities for the students to tour the site and see how their studies can be applied in a construction career.
After the bond is passed, the first phase is Design Development/Construction Engineering, and Bidding/Contracting which should be complete by March of 2026. Construction would then commence, and complete in August of 2027.
A mill is $1 of tax on each $1,000 of assessed valuation on property in the District. The bonds will require a mill rate estimated at 29 mills—added taxes on a $100,000 home of $27.79 per month. For more information on how the bond would affect residential, commercial, and agricultural property, see the full Taxpayer Cost Analysis at USD303Facilities.com.
Yes, please contact them anytime by either reaching out directly or submitting questions on the contact page at USD303facilities.com.
Any land transfer would require a vote in both districts. While it is possible that the added district's property taxes could increase, it would depend on how the ballot question is structured. An increase is not automatically required.
No. The main entrances at the Pre-School, Elementary School, and High School will each have a Secure Vestibule to prevent unauthorized access beyond the front check-in. In the unlikely event that an intruder enters the building, a "Lockdown" mode would be activated, securing all doors between buildings and individual classrooms.
With limited practice space, students are often forced to train early in the morning or late into the evening, making it difficult for them to balance academics and extracurricular activities. To help students reach their full potential in the classroom, we must also support their growth outside of it.
The benefits of youth athletics go far beyond physical activity—they foster personal growth in ways that can't always be taught in a traditional classroom. From developing strong social skills and goal-setting habits to learning accountability, leadership, teamwork, and sportsmanship, athletics shape students into well-rounded individuals. They learn to win with humility, lose with grace, and build a work ethic that will serve them for life. Investing in additional athletic space isn’t just about sports—it’s about investing in our students and the future of our community.
The Vo-Ag building improvements are not currently a top priority compared to other pressing needs.
The Facilities Committee prioritized other needs above the track. However, the proposed improvements are expected to reduce building maintenance costs, which could allow for future investment in the track.
The Board selected Landmark Architects and Wiens & Company Construction for their expertise, experience, and strong reputation. Their role is to ensure accurate budgeting and design so that the project's needs are met within the allocated funds. If there are any remaining funds after completion, they will be returned to the District, which can then decide to use them for additional improvements or to pay off the bond early.
Since the bond issue is based on property taxes, properties outside the district boundaries are not subject to the tax increase. Similarly, people who hold property in the district but do not live in-district will pay increased taxes.
La Crosse’s bond did not include several major upgrades that are part of this project, such as HVAC replacement, electrical and roofing upgrades, window and door replacements, new locker rooms, remodeling at their grade school, or city utility modifications. Additionally, their new gym is significantly smaller in scale compared to this project.
The proposed bond issue replaces or fortifies all the HVAC and Electrical at the existing Elementary & Jr/Sr High School buildings, and replaces the original exterior doors & windows as well.
The budget breakdown is:
New Construction - $11,415,000 (47.8%)
Renovations & Deferred Maintenance - $10,940,000 (45.8%)
Design & Testing Fees - $1,536,000 (6.4%)
If you have a question that is not answered here, please reach out to one of our district leaders or member of the board of education.