April 3, 2024

For Immediate Release

Mexico School District

Contact: Marci Orr, Communications

morr@mexico.k12.mo.us

Mexico School District Gratefully Acknowledges Community Support for Successful Passage of Paws for Progress School Bond Issue

The Board of Education, administration, and staff of Mexico School District extend their heartfelt gratitude to the local community for its overwhelming support in passing the Paws for Progress school bond issue with an impressive 67.98% approval rate. The ballot measure required a 57% majority for successful passage, highlighting the community's resounding endorsement with 826 votes in favor and 389 opposing.

The Paws for Progress proposal encompasses a range of crucial initiatives aimed at enhancing safety, security, and the overall infrastructure of campus buildings. These include vital upgrades to HVAC systems, improvements to accessibility, renovations to playgrounds, and necessary building expansions. The comprehensive plan for these enhancements has been in motion since October 2022, following the Board of Education's approval to collaborate with Facility Solutions Group (FSG) to devise a strategic framework for facility improvements and maintenance.

Integral to the district's financial planning is the insight provided by LJ Hart, a reputable school bond service company. Regular financial reports from LJ Hart, combined with assessments of local Assessed Valuation, have ensured the district can issue new bonds while maintaining the debt service levy at a steady $0.8691 per one hundred dollars of assessed valuation of real and personal property. Through responsible refinancing and timely repayment of bonds, the district has maximized its bonding capacity without necessitating a tax rate increase.

The successful passage of Paws for Progress enables essential projects outlined in the ballot language for April 2. These initiatives include the replacement or upgrade of HVAC systems district-wide, roofing and fire alarm system enhancements, the construction of new classroom additions, kitchen renovations at the Middle School, and numerous improvements to the High School, including a new secure entrance, Performing Arts theater upgrades, field turf installation, tennis court additions, and the construction of a concession building.

Moreover, the bond includes the renovation of playgrounds at Hawthorne Elementary School, Eugene Field Elementary School, and the McMillan Early Learning Center. Additional repairs and improvements to existing facilities will also be undertaken as resources permit, ensuring a comprehensive approach to enhancing educational environments throughout the district.

The district emphasizes that the successful outcome of the bond referendum not only underscores the commitment to the betterment of schools and the community but also demonstrates a steadfast dedication to the future success of students. The support of the community enables the district to pursue essential capital projects that will benefit generations of students to come, providing them with an environment conducive to learning, growth, and achievement.

Moving forward, the Mexico School District pledges to maintain transparency and communication regarding bond progress and information. Updates will be disseminated through the district website, the Paw Prints family newsletter, and the district's Facebook page.

In conclusion, the Mexico School District expresses profound appreciation for the unwavering support of the community. Together, the district will continue to strive for excellence in education, ensuring that every student receives the quality learning experience they deserve.

Paws for Progress - Mexico School District Bond

Frequently Asked Questions

Election Day: April 2, 2024 

On April 2, voters in the Mexico School District will be asked to consider a $21 million no-tax-increase bond issue. The proposal calls for safety and security measures as well as HVAC, accessibility, playground, and building expansion needs. Voters will see the name “Paws for Progress” on the ballot. 

This frequently asked questions document is intended to serve as a resource for our district stakeholders in an effort to inform voters prior to the April 2, 2024 election. 

If you have additional questions regarding the Paws for Progress no-tax increase ballot initiative, please email communications@mexico.k12.mo.us. 

When is the election? 

April 2, 2024

Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

What question will be on the April 2 ballot? 

Shall the Board of Education of the Mexico School District No. 59, Missouri, without an estimated increase in the current debt service property tax levy, borrow money in the amount of Twenty-One Million Dollars ($21,000,000) for the purpose of providing funds to replace or upgrade heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, roofing, and fire alarm systems District-wide; to construct, equip, and furnish a new classroom addition and renovate the kitchen at the Middle School; to construct a new secure entrance, complete Performing Arts theater upgrades, install field turf, add tennis courts, and build, equip, and furnish a concession building at the High School; to renovate the Hawthorne Elementary School, Eugene Field Elementary School, and McMillan Early Learning Center playgrounds; 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? If this proposition is approved, the adjusted debt service levy of the School District is estimated to remain unchanged at $0.8691 per one hundred dollars of assessed valuation of real and personal property.

If passed, how will the funds be used? 

McMillan Early Learning Center

• Replace 31 Carrier Rooftop Units (HVAC)
• Playground Renovations

Eugene Field Elementary

• Replace Rooftop Unit Heat Pumps
• New Chain Link Fencing in Front of Campus
• Replace Modified Bitumen/TPO Roofing Systems
• Playground Renovations

Hawthorne Elementary

• Playground Renovations

Mexico Middle School

• Replace Carrier CAV and VAV Systems
• Secure entry
• Classroom Building Addition
• Complete new Kitchen Addition
• Replace Carpet

Mexico High School

• Replace Multi-Purpose Room/Lobby HVAC
• Replace the Split System in Willer Wing (HVAC)
• Replace Two Filbert Gym Rooftop Units (HVAC)
• Replace Three Emmons Hall Split Systems (HVAC)
• Replace Gooch Roof
• Upgrade lighting/audio in Performing Arts
• Upgrade main elevator
• Repair Misc Roof Leaks
• Replace Filbert Gym Floor
• Replace the Sports Complex Chair Lift with Small Elevator
• Ponding Outside of Multi-Purpose Door
• Security Entry Addition / Renovation
• Replace the Softball Field with Artificial Turf
• Add new Tennis Courts with Concession Building
• Add a permanent wall in the kitchen

Hart Career Center

• Bathroom Remodel
• Convert Women's Lower Restroom to Two Private Stalls
• Add Tailpipe Exhaust in Auto Mechanic Shop
• Create A Corridor through the Welding Classroom
• Address Settling walls/flooring by rooms 18-22
• Replacement Carpet

Administrative Building

• Replace the Carrier Split Systems
• Add A Makeup Air Unit to the Shop
• Add Fire Alarm System
• White Vinyl Fence for Wind Protection
• Replace Carpet

What percentage of votes is required to pass the bond issue? 

A 4/7 majority or 57.1%

Why is the no-tax rate increase bond needed? 

We continually hear from our community and staff that it’s important to maintain and update our current facilities and continue to educate our students in a safe environment. 

• HVAC systems are outdated by up to 30 years and not working at capacity. In the August heat and January cold, systems cannot keep up; this has resulted in school cancellations.
• Items such as fire alarms, fencing at EF playground, and appropriate playground equipment for small children at MELC will keep students safe. 
• Secure entries at MHS and MMS for safety and security measures. 
• Lighting in Emmons Hall has been removed from upgrade lists for many years. It has become harder to find bulbs as government mandates have moved to LED bulbs, which are not compatible with the dimmer rack. 
• Accessibility at MHS includes upgrading the main elevator; service calls have become more frequent. The elevator will be updated for safety and accessibility purposes. Additionally, the Sports Complex lift chair will be replaced with a small elevator. The original lift is not heavy enough for school use. It is broken, and the district has not found a qualified repair person for the brand. Parts cannot be located. Moving from a screw-drive-type chair lift to a hydraulic elevator will allow us to use, maintain, and repair the elevator. 

Information regarding other items listed on page 2 can be shared by reaching out to the school district via phone at 573-581-3773 or email at communications@mexico.k12.mo.us

Did the district solicit advisement for potential projects and to put forth a ballot measure to the voters? 

Yes. In October 2022, the Board of Education approved a contract with Facilities Solution Group (FSG). FSG collaborated with our district administration to complete building walk-throughs and a comprehensive plan for improvements and regular maintenance. 

The district also receives regular feedback from LJ Hart, our bond service company. The company’s review of our school finances, coupled with local Assessed Valuation, allows our district to have the capacity to issue new bonds while keeping our debt service levy the same. The district has responsibly refinanced and repaid bonds to add to this bonding capacity. No tax increase will be required. 

What is a bond?

A bond is authorization for a school district to issue general obligation bonds and to establish a tax rate to pay off the debt over time. The funds raised through bond sales pay for capital projects, such as facilities and equipment, and may not be used for regular operational costs like salaries or supplies.

Under state law, the only way a school district can legally borrow money for school facilities’ improvements or construction on a full faith and credit basis is to see voter approval of a general obligation bond issue. 

How is it possible to issue bonds without a tax rate increase?

Thanks to good financial management by the Board of Education, the Mexico School District is in a position to ask for bonds without raising taxes. This is a result of paying off existing debts and refinancing for better rates. Because of these factors, we have room in our state-set debt limit to issue additional bonds with a no-tax rate increase.

The district has room to borrow money and extend these loans. If the bond passes, the loan will be extended by nine years. We will continue to carefully monitor our debt and interest rates to save taxpayer dollars.

If it was not for the no-tax rate increase bond issue, would taxes go down?

Because the District is still paying off existing debt, the debt service levy will not decrease. Even if the proposition is not approved by voters in April, the District will use the taxes collected at the current rate to continue aggressively pay off other existing debt.

How does this ballot initiative improve and support academic performance? 

The Mexico Public School District believes that significant learning will occur with significant relationships. 

Providing a first-class education is the mission of the Mexico School District. Our mission statement says, “We will provide a safe learning community committed to continuous improvement focused on high levels of learning and student engagement.” 

All of these things work together - curriculum and instruction, school meal service, transportation, and our facilities where all this happens, which is the purpose of this bond. 

We have outstanding educators providing quality programs to meet the individual needs of our Bulldogs. The district uses research-based curriculum materials and instructional practices to ensure all students learn and grow. Career planning for our students starts at the elementary level. With the opportunity for Hart Career Center classes and the rootED program at MHS, students are on-track to discover their post-secondary endeavors upon graduation.

What else will be on the ballot in April? 

There will be an election on April 2, 2024 for the Board Candidate Filers.

Mrs. Brown, Mr. Louder, & Mrs. Stephens’ terms are up. We will have two 3-year terms and one 2-year term open. 

• We have three who have filed for the three-year term (in order of filing): Michelle Stephens, Jennifer Gore, and Chris Williams
• We have one who filed for the 2-year term: Lennette Brown.

Filers for School Board Candidates will be placed on the April 2, 2024 Ballot in order of filing.

When must I register to vote in order to participate in the April 2 election? 

The last day to register to vote is March 6, 2024.

Can I vote absentee? 

Absentee voting begins February 20^th

Last day to request an absentee ballot is March 20^th

Yes last day to vote absentee is April 1^st

Where do I vote? 

Please see your voter registration card for your voting location. Or call the Audrain County Clerk’s office at 473-5820.

How can I find out more information? 

• Paws for Progress Handout
• Paws for Progress Facebook group 
• School Website
• School Board Meeting Agendas
• Email: communications@mexico.k12.mo.us for questions or more information

Paid for by Mexico School District No. 59

Melissa Chastain, Superintendent

2101 Lakeview Road, Mexico, MO 65265

The Mexico School District will place a $21 million bond on the April 2, 2024 ballot. The bond title is "Paws for Progress."

Bond proceeds will be used to:
*replace or upgrade heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, roofing, and fire alarm systems District-wide;
*to construct, equip, and furnish a new classroom addition and renovate the kitchen at the Middle School;
*to construct a new secure entrance, complete Performing Arts theater upgrades, install field turf on the softball field, add tennis courts, and build, equip, and furnish a concession building at the High School;
*to renovate the Hawthorne Elementary School, Eugene Field Elementary School, and McMillan Early Learning Center playgrounds.

Central Office is working on several informational items that you will see in various outlets up until the April 2, 2024 election.

As we approach the election, if you have questions, we encourage you to reach out to Central Office or communications so we can provide timely and accurate answers.

In May 2023, LJ Hart offered workshop during the regular session board meeting. This public presentation included a Preliminary Financial Analysis regarding bond expirations and timelines and when the district would be able to offer a no tax-rate increase bond to its patrons. You can listen to the livestream of this board discussion here, beginning at the 1:45 mark.

The Board of Education approved a proposal and an agreement with Facility Solutions Group (FSG) for engineering and construction administration services. FSG has since worked with the district to locate and prioritize projects, updates, maintenance, and construction for the Paws for Progress bond.