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. 

The $55 million no mill increase bond is designed to improve safety and security, expand our fine arts facilities, update the auditorium, support growing programs like band, robotics, and culinary arts, career and tech education, and add new classrooms—all to support 21st-century learning.

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. All district schools have been reviewed and will see some level of improvement. 

• Safety and security upgrades are a focus for all classrooms in all buildings.
• Moving the main office at AHS from the middle of the school to the front of the building would significantly improve the safety of the high school, allowing for a much better focus on who enters the school throughout the school day. 
• Career & Tech Education is a significant focus of the bond. Not all students plan to go to college, and the high school can provide high quality learning and career credentials in manufacturing and skilled trades. 
• Band classes at all levels are “bursting at the seams” as is our high school wrestling program. 
• Building a new band room at AMS would allow for more room for band students, while also allowing the old band room to become a middle school weights facility. 
• Soft surface, or turfed, playgrounds with shade canopies are much needed upgrades for our elementary students.

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, the project would 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.

Many students are interested in Career and Technical Education (CTE), which can provide a path to high-wage, high-demand jobs. As a result, strategic partnerships with WSU Tech and Butler Community College, combined with our new and renovated CTE facilities, will lead our students to success in the trades and industry after graduation.

Building a brand new high school would be significantly more expensive than a renovation. Building a new high school would require raising taxes and would limit improvements that can be made at other Augusta schools.

The good news is that the district has the bond capacity to make substantial improvements while remaining fiscally responsible. Essential renovations to the existing high school allows the community to preserve tradition at AHS while also significantly enhancing the learning environment. Renovating rather than rebuilding also allows for improvements at all other schools without raising the mill levy. 

Birthrates in Kansas (and the United States) are down, however, regardless of the number of students, every Augusta 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, and now that Kansas families have the ability to choose their school regardless of what district they live in, facilities and programs are more important that ever before.

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.

May 6, 2025

AUGUSTA FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
1501 State St | Augusta, KS
Augusta W1, Augusta W2, Bloomington Twp, Bruno
Twp, Pleasant Twp, Spring Twp, & Walnut Twp

AUGUSTA METHODIST CHURCH
2420 Ohio St | Augusta, KS
Augusta W3, Augusta W4, & Augusta Twp

ADVANCED BALLOT BY MAIL
205 W Central Courthouse | El Dorado, KS
Application Deadline: Received by April 23, 2025

This is a $55 million no-mill-increase bond, meaning the district can make critical facility  improvements without raising the tax rate. By issuing new bonds as older ones are paid off, USD 402 can fund these vital improvements while keeping the mill levy the same. In addition, $6.6 million (12%) of the bond will be funded by the State of Kansas.

All previous bonds will be paid off, there will not be two bonds being paid on at the same time. 

What will happen to our taxes if this does not pass? If we do not pass a bond to improve our schools, the mill levy will decrease 17.376 mills. For a $100,000 house, this equates to a decrease of $18.70 per month. For a $100,000 commercial property, this equates to a decrease of $40.65 per month.

If we do not pass a bond to improve our schools, the mill levy will decrease 17.376 mills.

For a $100,000 house, this equates to a decrease of $18.70 per month. For a $100,000 commercial property, this equates to a decrease of $40.65 per month.

The Robinson Community Center (formerly Robinson Elementary School), provides a wide variety of benefits to the community, supporting Augustans of all ages.

The facility now houses the Augusta Recreation Commission, The Augusta Caring Center, ESSDACK Adult Learning Center, the Augusta Community Garden, the USD 402 Facilities Department, and is the future home of the newly established Sunflower Virtual Academy. 

When a school undertakes a bond project—such as renovations, additions, or new construction—the improvements must be ADA compliant. 

ADA compliance in bond projects typically includes:

• Accessible entrances, restrooms, and classrooms

• Proper signage and wayfinding

• Ramps, elevators, and door widths

• Accessible routes inside and outside the building

• Parking spaces and drop-off zones that meet accessibility standards

The bond planning process has included turfed playgrounds with shade canopies. The district is working with architects on playgrounds with ADA ramps and features. The district has contacted a turf company, who has confirmed that wheelchairs, etc. would be able to maneuver on turfed playground areas.