Proposed USD 274 Bond — What Voters Need to Know Before November 4th

Voters in the Oakley School District (USD 274) will decide on a bond issue this fall that would shape the future of Oakley’s public schools.

This information comes directly from USD 274 materials, interviews with district staff and community members, and is presented here to help residents understand the proposal.

For more information, visit oakleyschoolsks.com or contact Superintendent Julie Crum at 785-671-4588.

📋 Ballot Language

Voters will be asked whether USD 274 should be authorized to issue general obligation bonds not to exceed $27,995,000 to:

• Construct, furnish, and equip a new Oakley Elementary and Oakley Middle School facility

• Connect existing buildings for ADA compliance

• Add a new physical education classroom, locker rooms, ADA restrooms, and concessions at the football facility

• Renovate Oakley High School for classroom improvements, ADA restrooms, safety, and security upgrades

• Improve parking, transportation, and site access

• Cover construction costs and interest during the project

🏫 Why the Bond is Being Considered

USD 274 currently serves approximately 430 students in multiple buildings, some over a century old.District leaders and community members say the condition of the facilities is negatively impacting learning and creating safety and accessibility challenges.

Key Facility Issues Identified:

• Failing heating and cooling systems — boilers and pipes often malfunction, forcing classroom relocations or school closures.

• Outdated plumbing and electrical — many classrooms share a single 15-amp circuit, limiting modern technology use.

• Inefficient windows and structural deterioration — leaks, dust infiltration, and corroded pipes are common.

• Limited ADA accessibility — including outdated elevators and restrooms.

• Safety and security concerns — open building layouts allow visitors to enter without office check-in; poor communication systems limit emergency alerts.

• Lack of confidential spaces — for counseling, teletherapy, and student services.

• Fire alarms — do not automatically alert the fire department if no one is on site.

🧩 Building-by-Building Overview

Oakley Elementary School

• Failing boiler system and poor climate control.

• Inefficient, leaky windows.

• ADA compliance gaps.

• Outdated electrical and communication systems.

Oakley Middle School

• Over 100 years old.

• Elevator parts are no longer available; new installation would require major reconstruction.

• Not compliant with federal ADA and OCR (Office of Civil Rights) standards.

• Outdated science labs lacking working sinks and gas lines.

Oakley High School

• Aging infrastructure across multiple classrooms.

• Undersized band room for Grades 5–12.

• Outdated electrical and data systems in computer and FACS (home economics) labs.

• Limited space for special education and therapy.

• No nearby ADA restroom near the special education area.

• Science rooms too small for chemistry and lab-based classes.

Ancillary Buildings

• Heating issues, lack of ADA restrooms, and no communication links to main offices.

• Weight room in need of boiler replacement and restroom updates.

🧠 Educational and Safety Considerations

• Students move between multiple buildings daily, which raises safety and supervision concerns.

• The proposed plan would bring all grades under one connected roof — with designated wings for elementary, middle, and high school students.

• This model is intended to improve security, collaboration, and efficiency while maintaining age separation between groups.

💬 Community and Staff Perspectives

• Many residents see the project as an investment in Oakley’s future, reducing long-term maintenance costs and modernizing facilities for 21st-century learning.

• Teachers note that technology, science, and career-based education have outgrown current spaces and electrical systems.

• Parents express support for keeping students safe and indoors, especially during inclement weather.

• Others value the small-town community feel, believing the project would unite students, staff, and families under one roof.

💵 Financial Details

Two Separate Questions on the Ballot

1. The School Bond – authorizing up to $27,995,000 for construction and renovation.

2. A City Sales Tax Question – a proposed 1% city-wide sales tax increase.

How They Work Together

• City residents will vote on both the bond and sales tax.

• Rural residents (outside city limits) will only vote on the bond.

• If the sales tax passes, it will offset property tax increases, reducing the bond and interest mill rate by 8.5 mills for all district residents.

• If the bond does not pass, the sales tax will not take effect, even if voters approve it.

Projected Tax Impact

• USD 274’s published materials include tables showing estimated tax increases for residential, commercial, and agricultural property with and without the sales tax.

• Voters are encouraged to review those charts at oakleyschoolsks.com or by contacting the district office.

🌱 Community Impact

Supporters believe a new, efficient school facility will:

• Attract new families and teachers to Oakley.

• Support local businesses and property values.

• Improve the learning environment and safety for students.

Opponents or cautious residents have raised concerns about:

• The total project cost and long-term tax impact.

• Whether renovation could be a lower-cost alternative.

District representatives have stated that ongoing maintenance and repair costs would eventually outweigh renovation savings, given the age and condition of current facilities.

🗳️ Election Day

• Date: Tuesday, November 4, 2025

• Where to Vote: Check with your local election office or USD 274 website for polling locations.

• Questions on the Ballot:

  1. USD 274 Bond Authorization

  2. City of Oakley One-Cent Sales Tax (city voters only)

📞 More Information

• Visit: oakleyschoolsks.com

• Call: USD 274 Superintendent Julie Crum – (785) 671-4588

• View: Project videos, tax charts, and facility photos available through district resources