What will the bond fund?

The bond will fund several key projects to support the district’s growth and infrastructure needs, including:

• Elementary School Additions:

  • 5,500 sq. ft. addition at Prairie Creek Elementary School

  • 5,500 sq. ft. addition at Timber Sage Elementary School

  • 5,500 sq. ft. addition at Spring Hill Elementary School

• Spring Hill High School Improvements:

  • 30,000 sq. ft. Career & Technical Education (CTE) addition

  • 5,000 sq. ft. commons expansion

• Facility Upgrades:

  • Full roof replacements at Spring Hill Elementary School and Spring Hill Middle School

  • HVAC improvements at Spring Hill Elementary School, Spring Hill Middle School, and Spring Hill Early Learning Academy

How was the bond scope created?

The bond scope was developed by the Visioning Committee, a group of over 60 educators, parents, community members, and city leaders. This committee met throughout Fall 2024, carefully assessing district needs and prioritizing projects that support student growth while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

How much is the bond?

The bond is $60 million and will be structured as a no-mill levy increase, meaning it will not raise property tax rates.

What will the elementary school building additions include?

Spring Hill Elementary, Prairie Creek Elementary, and Timber Sage Elementary are nearing capacity, as confirmed by the RSP & Associates demographic report. Since each school faces different capacity challenges, programming meetings will be held with staff to determine how best to use the new space during the design phase.

Weren’t some of these improvements and replacements to HVAC and roofs for Spring Hill Middle and Elementary part of a previous bond?

The money allocated for the last upgrades to Spring Hill Elementary and Spring Hill Middle was used for essential improvements, including HVAC replacements in the summer of 2013 and roofing updates in 2016-2017. 

The HVAC systems installed have a 10-12 year lifespan and are scheduled for replacement in 2026, pending bond approval, due to increasing mechanical failures. The roofing received a protective flood coat and gravel layer, extending its life, but the original roof from 1994-1995 remains beneath it. With leaks reappearing, full roof replacements are planned for 2026, also pending bond approval.

Have the additions already been designed?

No, the artist’s renderings you see are only conceptual and meant to illustrate the scope of the projects. If the bond is approved, detailed design work will begin, and programming meetings with staff will help shape the final plans.

Why is the commons area at Spring Hill High School being expanded?

With enrollment growth at Spring Hill High School, the commons area—used for lunch and other activities—has reached capacity. A 5,000 sq. ft. expansion will nearly double the space, ensuring students have enough room. Additionally, feedback from community workshops highlighted the need for more multi-purpose space for activities such as:

• Athletic practices

• Dance and cheer rehearsals

• Band and orchestra rehearsals

The goal is to create a flexible space that meets these needs.

Don’t we already have a Career Technical Education program at Spring Hill High School?

Yes, but the current CTE classrooms are spread across the school, limiting expansion opportunities. The new 30,000 sq. ft. addition will consolidate these programs into a dedicated space, allowing for:

• Room for future growth in CTE programs

• More opportunities for students in career-focused pathways

• The repurposing of old CTE spaces into additional core classrooms

Voting timeline

• Now - April 22, 2025: Register to Vote (21 days before the election recommended)

• April 23, 2025: Ballots to be mailed to registered voters by the Johnson County Election office

• May 13, 2025: Ballots must be received by the Election Office by noon (Bond Election Date)

  • Any mail-in ballot received after noon on 5/13 will not be accepted, even via USPS.

  • Ballots can be dropped off in person at the Johnson County Election office anytime before noon on May 13, 2025.

    • We will post any drop-off locations on this website as they are made known.

  • Even if you are a Miami County resident, you should mail or take your ballot to the Johnson County Election office as they are the source of record for this election.

• May 19, 2025: Official results posted

What is the ballot language? (How will the question read on the ballot?)

Shall Unified School District No. 230, Johnson/Miami County, Kansas (Spring Hill), issue general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $60,000,000 to pay the costs of acquiring, constructing, equipping, furnishing, repairing, remodeling or making additions to buildings used for school district purposes including without limitation (a) constructing, equipping, and furnishing additional classrooms at existing elementary schools; (b) constructing, equipping, and furnishing a Career and Technical Education (CTE) addition and an expansion of the commons area at Spring Hill High School; (c) making certain other capital improvements to the buildings and facilities of the District, including roof replacements and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) improvements; (d) providing for all other necessary and related improvements, and (e) paying fees and expenses incidental thereto including interest during construction; all pursuant to the provisions of K.S.A. 10-101 et seq.; K.S.A. 25-431 et seq.; K.S.A. 25-2018(f); K.S.A. 72-5457; and K.S.A. 72-5458 et seq.?

Where can I drop my ballot off?

1. Gardner Library
   137 E Shawnee St.
   Gardner, Kansas 66030

2. Spring Hill Library
   109 South Webster St.
   Spring Hill, Kansas 66083

3. Blue Valley Library
   9000 W 151 St.
   Overland Park, Kansas 66221

4. Johnson Co. Election Office 
   2101 E Kansas City Rd.
   Olathe, Kansas 66061

 

When will the bond projects be completed?

Here’s the estimated timeline:

• Summer 2026

  • Spring Hill Elementary School roof replacement

  • Spring Hill Middle School roof replacement

  • Spring Hill Elementary School HVAC improvements

  • Spring Hill Middle School HVAC improvements

  • Spring Hill Early Learning Academy HVAC improvements

• Fall 2026

  • Prairie Creek Elementary School addition

  • Timber Sage Elementary School addition

  • Spring Hill Elementary School addition

• Fall 2027

  • Spring Hill High School additions

How is the bond possible without increasing the mill levy?

The district’s tax base (Assessed Valuation or AV) has grown by 16.86% annually over the last three years, thanks to new homes and businesses. This allows the district to take on the new bond without raising the mill levy, which will remain at 22.037 mills until the bonds are fully paid off in 2045.

Where is the money coming from if taxes aren’t increasing?

Rather than increasing tax rates, the district will use revenue from continued growth in the tax base. The bond will be structured so that new payments align with existing ones, ensuring that the tax rate remains stable.

Explain then how we will access another $60 million.

A stable mill rate of 22.037 mills allows the district to borrow an additional $60 million without increasing taxes. This is possible because as property values rise, the existing tax rate generates more revenue, which can be used to support new bonds for district growth while staying within state debt limits.

How much are we allowed to borrow as a district?

In Kansas, school districts are generally limited to a bonded indebtedness of 14% of their assessed valuation. However, districts experiencing significant growth may seek approval from the state to increase their debt limit beyond this percentage to support expansion and infrastructure needs.

The following information is a complete history of Spring Hill USD 230 Bond Issues & Funding Allocations since 1969.

1969 Bond Issue - Passed ($333,653)

• High School Addition (current front metal section of SHES).

1972 Bond Issue - Failed ($955,000)

• Elementary School renovation (current storm shelter at civic center).
• Property purchase for a new high school (current SHMS location).

1973 Bond Issue - Passed ($865,000)

• New high school construction (current SHMS building).
• Purchase of additional property east of the building.

1976 Bond Issue - Passed ($1,250,000)

• Question #1 ($960,140): High School addition (current SHMS west wing).
• Question #2 ($289,860): Hilltop School renovation and expansion.

1993 Bond Issue - Passed ($15,005,000)

• Question #1 ($13,975,000)
  • New high school & 40 acres.
  • Convert the old high school to SHMS with new gym and cafeteria.
  • New SHES utilizing the old middle school gym.
  • Addition to Hilltop ES (library) and renovations.
• Question #2 ($1,030,000)
  • New stadium construction.

2000 Bond Issue - Failed ($26,700,000)

• Land purchase for a new elementary school.
• Land for future school buildings.
• Construction of a new elementary school.
• Additions to SHMS and SHHS.
• Remodeling and repairs to district facilities.

2001 Bond Issue - Failed ($17,170,000)

• Question #1 ($12,505,000): New elementary school, SHMS & SHHS classroom additions, district maintenance.
• Question #2 ($2,165,000): High school practice gym, locker rooms, weight training room, and tennis courts.
• Question #3 ($2,500,000): Land for future student campus in the northern district.

2003 Bond Issue - Passed ($48,600,000)

• New elementary and high school buildings.
• Remodeling and additions to existing facilities.
• Purchase of technology equipment.

2011 Bond Issue - Passed ($39,000,000)

• New elementary school (WCES) and expansion of PCES.
• HVAC retrofits.
• School facility remodels and expansions.
• Technology upgrades and contingency funds.

2016 Bond Issue - Passed ($82,400,000)

• New elementary school (TSES) and middle school (WSMS).
• Future land purchases.
• SHHS Phase I & II.
• New SHES gym.
• Convert MS-N to ECC.

2018 Bond Issue - Passed ($72,000,000)

• New elementary school (DCES) and middle school (MS#3).
• Education services center.
• District-wide safety initiatives.
• School facility remodels and expansions.
• Technology upgrades and contingency funds.
• Land acquisition/site development.

Was all of the money spent?

Yes! By law, every dollar must be used for approved projects. The funds have been fully allocated to school improvements.

Why is another bond needed now?

Spring Hill continues to grow, and additional funding is needed to keep pace with enrollment increases and infrastructure needs.

Why isn’t the district building a second high school??

While we understand the interest in a second high school, it is not financially feasible at this time. Building a new high school would cost hundreds of millions of dollars, requiring a major tax increase. Additionally, dividing resources between two schools could reduce opportunities for students in:

• Athletics

• Performing arts

• Advanced coursework

For now, expanding our existing facilities is the most responsible and cost-effective solution.

What is capital outlay?

Capital outlay is a dedicated fund used for major, long-term school improvements—such as building repairs, new buses, and technology upgrades. It’s separate from everyday operating expenses like teacher salaries or school supplies.

How does capital outlay work in USD 230?

USD 230 collects capital outlay funds through a special tax (mill levy), which is currently set at 8 mills. These funds allow the district to proactively maintain and improve school facilities without requiring frequent bond issues.

How does it help with maintenance?

Think of it like a home repair fund—if you save a little each year, you can handle repairs before they become expensive problems. Capital outlay helps USD 230 stay ahead of maintenance issues, such as:

• Replacing aging HVAC systems

• Repairing roofs

• Updating classroom technology

Why didn’t the district always collect capital outlay funds?

There were years when:

1. Bond funds covered major projects, reducing the need for additional capital outlay.

2. The district prioritized other budget areas, such as staffing and daily operations.

No urgent repairs were needed, so the school board opted to reduce or suspend the levy.

Why is it back now?

With continued growth in the district, capital outlay funding is essential to ensure our schools remain in top condition. By keeping the 8-mill levy steady, USD 230 can:

• Maintain existing facilities

• Address wear-and-tear from increased enrollment

• Avoid unexpected tax hikes in the future

This proactive approach ensures that our schools remain strong for years to come.

How are other districts handling the repairs of HVAC and roofs using capital outlays and bonds?

Many school districts across Kansas use bond issues to fund major infrastructure projects, including HVAC and roof repairs, as part of long-term facility maintenance and improvements. This approach allows districts to preserve capital outlay funds for other pressing needs while ensuring that critical building systems remain functional and up to date.

For example, several nearby districts have included similar projects in their bond issues:

• Olathe's 2022 Bond Issue: Allocated $10 million for roofing and another $10 million for HVAC upgrades over five years.

• Shawnee Mission's 2021 Bond Issue: Dedicated $19 million for roof replacements and $24 million for HVAC and lighting improvements.

• Blue Valley's 2023 Bond Issue: Included districtwide replacement of HVAC equipment, along with roof, door, window, and wall repairs as needed.

• Gardner and DeSoto: Recent bond issues in these districts have included items that other schools typically fund through capital outlay, such as safety and security upgrades, playgrounds, kitchen renovations, and educational technology.

This demonstrates a common and strategic practice among districts to use bond funding for large-scale infrastructure needs, allowing capital outlay dollars to be used for ongoing maintenance and other district priorities.

How and Why Do We Use Capital Outlay Dollars for Salaries and Benefits?

Using capital outlay dollars for salaries and benefits is a common practice across Johnson County school districts, specifically for custodial, maintenance, and buildings & grounds staff. This allows districts to maintain school facilities efficiently while preserving general fund dollars for classroom instruction and student programs.

Every district in the area allocates a portion of its capital outlay budget to support these critical positions. Here’s a look at the percentage of capital outlay spent on salaries and benefits (object codes 100-299) in recent years:

2022-2023

• Blue Valley: 29%

• Spring Hill: 33%

• Gardner: 34%

• DeSoto: 10%

• Olathe: 38%

• Shawnee Mission: 22%

2023-2024

• Blue Valley: 36%

• Spring Hill: 42%

• Gardner: 25%

• DeSoto: 18%

• Olathe: 38%

• Shawnee Mission: 24%

This funding approach ensures that schools remain safe, clean, and well-maintained without placing additional strain on the general operating budget. By leveraging capital outlay dollars in this way, districts can support essential personnel while maximizing resources for student learning.

How is USD 230 attacking budget shortfalls? 

The Spring Hill School District is proactively addressing financial challenges to ensure continued growth and excellence. Key factors influencing the district's budget include:

• Evolving State Funding – Changes in state allocations have required the district to manage resources carefully.

• Growing Enrollment – As more families choose Spring Hill Schools, the district is adapting to meet the needs of a thriving student population.

• Facility Improvements – Maintaining and enhancing school buildings is a priority to provide students with safe and effective learning environments.

To support these priorities, the district is exploring a bond issue that would help sustain high-quality education and accommodate future growth.