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Frequently Asked Questions
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How will the new bond affect the total mill levy?
The total mill levy will not be raised this year nor for the next two years.
The district will be able to continue to lower the total mill levy in part due to:
- Growth in assessed valuation
- A commitment of 30% State Aid on Bond and Interest
- Savings on the refinancing of old debt
We are at historical lows for interest rates making it the ideal time to borrow money.
We have a track record of keeping our promises on bond issues. We promised voters is 2011 we could issue $39 million in bonds and not raise the mill levy. Five years later the levy is still on the decline.
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I live in Olathe do my taxes go to Spring Hill schools?
Yes, all residents who live within the USD 230 boundaries, regardless of which city or county, pay taxes that benefit Spring Hill School District students.
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If our house value is less than 200K, what will we be paying, and will we be in the vote?
Home value - Estimated payment/month
- $200,000 - $6.80
- $150,000 - $5.10
- $100,000 - $3.40
- $50,000 - $1.70
All registered voters living in the Spring Hill School District will be eligible to vote in this election. Patrons must be registered to vote by August 9 to receive a ballot by mail or register in person by August 18 to pick up a ballot. Please check your registration status HERE.
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How many bond levy tax increases can a district/city have in place occurring at the same time?
Each bond issue is treated independently. It is possible for the district and/or the city to have multiple bond issues in place at the same time.
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How many bonds are in effect currently for the school district?
There are two outstanding bond issues at this time. The December 2003 election allowed for the construction of the current high school and Prairie Creek Elementary School. They were 20 year bonds and will be paid off in September 2024. The second election was June 2011 and those will be paid in full September 2031.
Through refinancing of bonds we have been able to save the district 4.8 million dollars over the last ten years.
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How many years will the levy be in place increasing the RE tax?
The repayment period on the bonds will be 20 years.
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Why was the savings from the last bond used for the 1-to-1 initiative instead of preparing for future growth?
Once a bond is approved by voters, that money can only be spent on items outlined on that ballot. The current building projects were not part of the last bond issue, however, technology was. The Board of Education directed $1,000,000, of the savings, toward technology purchases to increase student achievement and prepare our students for their futures.
We must provide the best possible education to all students currently in our school district. We cannot remain idle in preparation for growth.
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How will the bond money for educational technology be spent?
The first priority is to make sure our new students have the same opportunities as existing students. Technology changes quickly and the district must be in a position to adapt to emerging technologies, to enhance the student experience and improve achievement.
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Why does our school district cover so many square miles? Are other districts this big?
In 1965, the Kansas Legislature reduced the number of school districts from 2,800 to 284. During this time school districts were consolidated and new school boundaries were formed.
Other surrounding school district boundaries by square miles:
- Paola - 204.26
- Gardner/Edgerton - 101.15
- Blue Valley - 91
- Shawnee Mission - 75.15
- Olathe - 74.32
- Spring Hill - 71
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Why don't we just change the school district boundaries?
The Kansas Legislature determines school district boundaries. Our district is a geographical region, which happens to have the same name as the city of Spring Hill. While some districts only encompass the same boundaries as their closest city, many do not, such as Olathe (includes Olathe, Lenexa, Overland Park and Shawnee).
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Would changing the school district boundaries keep our schools the same size?
Changing the school district boundaries will not guarantee stagnant enrollment in our schools. Even by removing the small areas of Overland Park and Olathe from our district there is still a large area of unincorporated land surrounding the city of Spring Hill. Families continue to migrate south to purchase more home and land for their money. Changing the school district boundaries would not eliminate the need for new schools; it would just prolong the discussion.
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Why doesn't the school district just expand schools to accommodate growth in the district?
There are two answers to this question:
1. In April 2001, we asked voters to:
- build an elementary school in the south part of Spring Hill (223rd and Victory), add additions to SHHS (currently SHMS-S) and to SHMS (currently SHMS-N);
- add a practice gym, locker and training room, and tennis courts;
- add money for a new school site.
All three proposals failed. We had a similar bond issue in January of 2000 which also failed.
2. The last community committee made a decision that we would keep our schools at the following sizes:
- Elementary - 525
- Middle School - 525
- High School - 1450