A school bond is a funding tool used by public school districts to support capital improvement projects, such as building renovations, new facilities, or infrastructure upgrades. These bond measures are placed on the ballot by school boards for the community to vote on, giving residents the opportunity to decide whether to approve the funding.

A no mill increase school bond issue is a type of funding mechanism used by school districts to raise money for projects, such as renovating facilities, or improving infrastructure, without raising the property tax rate (measured in "mills") for taxpayers.

The community has an opportunity to make meaningful improvements to our schools without increasing the mill levy.

Taking action now is especially important given the impact of inflation—costs for goods and services will only rise over time, and the need for facility upgrades is inevitable. Moving forward with these improvements today can help avoid higher costs in the future and potentially reduce the burden on taxpayers.

Currently, Augusta High School (AHS) is the second-oldest high school in Butler County. As buildings age, they require more frequent and costly maintenance, as highlighted in the "Life Cycle of a Building" diagram below.

USD 402 has been proactive in addressing key maintenance needs, such as roofs, HVAC units, and parking lots, to minimize deferred upkeep. These efforts have put us in a strong position to take advantage of this bond opportunity and further enhance the learning environment for our students. With that said, despite our best efforts, older facilities like AHS still require significant infrastructure upgrades—including electrical, plumbing, fire safety systems, clocks, and intercoms. 

This bond allows us to not only address critical maintenance but also enhance classrooms, technology, and safety to provide our students with the modern learning environment they deserve.

The primary focus will be on Augusta High School’s renovation due to its age and the need for upgrades to support modern educational opportunities. However, all district facilities will be reviewed and are expected to see some level of improvement. The specific areas for enhancement will be shaped through input from a variety of stakeholders, including staff, students, parents, and community members.

Yes. USD 402 is committed to providing safe and secure learning environments. If the bond is approved, the district could install automated secured entry locks in every classroom, allowing each room to be locked instantly with the push of a button.

Additionally, there are recommendations to relocate the Augusta High School (AHS) main office from its current location in the middle of the building to the main entrance. This change would enhance safety by ensuring that key staff members—such as secretaries, administrators, the school resource officer (SRO), nurse, and counselors—are better positioned to monitor and connect with all visitors entering the school.

While birthrates are declining across Kansas and the United States, whether Augusta serves 2,000 or 1,900 students, every child deserves access to high-quality, modern, and equitable schools. Research shows that schools play a key role in homebuyers’ decisions when choosing a community.

When comparing Augusta’s facilities to those of other Kansas districts, it’s worth asking: Do Augusta students have access to facilities that are on par with other high schools? Do they deserve the same quality of facilities to prepare them for college and career opportunities?

Investing in modern, equitable learning environments ensures that every student—regardless of enrollment numbers—has the tools and resources needed for success, while also supporting the overall community’s long-term growth and appeal.

Building a new high school would be significantly more expensive than a renovation. The good news is that the district has the bond capacity to make substantial improvements while remaining fiscally responsible. Essential renovations to the existing building allows the community to preserve cherished features and enhance the learning environment of our current facility.