Shawnee voters approved two bond propositions Tuesday by 84% each, marking the largest supermajority for the district's bond elections in recent history.
"We have said it from the beginning. Our students’ educational experience shouldn’t be limited by their ZIP code, and because of our community's actions, they won’t be," Espolt said.
"Our community showed us that they overwhelmingly support our students and our schools," said Espolt. "They agree that all children deserve safe, modern facilities and updated technology to support their individual learning and growth,"
Proposition 1 includes projects that will provide for improvements across the district, including replacing HVAC units, providing ongoing funding for maintenance and technology, constructing a Stucker Complex with a bigger capacity for the district's wrestling program as well as a high school safe room, constructing an agriculture facility for the district's growing program, and providing new band uniforms and marching band storage, among other projects.
Proposition 2 asked voters to repurpose funds from the 2016 bond to provide renovations for elementary schools in the district. A third-party, independent enrollment capacity study had given district leaders data showing that a new elementary school - the last project in the 2016 bond - was no longer necessary in Shawnee. By approving Proposition 2, voters agreed that investing in existing elementary schools was a better use of their taxpayer dollars.
Espolt said that initial bond requirements processes should be completed in upcoming weeks, and some of the construction and renovation projects can begin as early as this summer. Project timelines and updates will be posted on the district's website as they become available, he said.