By Craig Wilford

This community will be voting on a bond proposal on April 3.  

The nature of the bond proposal identifies the many projects we are asking voters to consider to improve district facilities to meet the needs of students.  

You may have seen articles concerning adjustments Wichita Public Schools made to their bond proposal due to significant state budget cuts.  Some Wichita patrons are upset because they thought certain projects would be completed but Wichita’s bond language described building schools – without being specific – because of the size and scope of their projects.  

Our bond proposal is much different.

The Derby school bond proposal is not nearly as extensive as Wichita’s and the language in our bond proposal is very specific. The school newsletter you received in your mailbox recently actually lists the exact bond language so you could become familiar with it. This publication lists important information about what is included, why it is necessary and what it will take to make it happen.  

The proposal calls for building a new middle school and central kitchen. It calls for fixing roofs and adding on additions at elementary schools. It identifies needs at the high school concerning locker areas, music education and food service.  

If the bond proposal were to be accepted by the community, these projects would be done and funds for that purpose cannot be diverted to another project. I am very pleased with how the language in the bond proposal was written as it clearly identifies what you the voter will decide on April 3. There will not be any surprises with these projects.

We want to ensure you, as our voters, know the specific projects on which you will be voting. Making sure you have the facts you need to make an informed decision is also critical to me. On our district website, www.derbyschools.com, we have information on voter registration, the reason for the proposal, the specific projects, and the financial impact on you.  

I would hope you have also seen people wearing green ribbons. It means they are aware of the bond proposal.  

We would like for everyone to be able to wear a green ribbon so they are aware of this proposal and what it means for our children, our schools and our future. 

People with a green ribbon know that our mill rate is the lowest of all 19 school districts in Butler and Sedgwick County.  

They know that current law says the state would pay 21 percent of the project, but the legislature is considering doing away with this support.  

A green ribbon indicates awareness of the challenges the district faces, the proposed solutions and the economic impact it would have on you.  

It means awareness that an owner of a $100,000 home would pay just $3.26 a month to build a new middle school, central kitchen, repair roofs, expand and create safer elementary buildings and make modifications at Derby High School to meet the needs of students.

Being aware is important. Please take the time to be informed and inform others. 

If you want to know more about the bond proposal, feel free to call me at 788-8410. I would be happy to visit with you.

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