Bonds for schools are voter-approved funds that can be used for school facilities and other essential school needs. The district sells bonds to investors who will be paid back over time with funds raised through property taxes. School bonds begin with a general election to authorize a specific amount for projects detailed on the ballot. 

A Mill Levy is a tax on the assessed value of property (such as land, buildings, vehicles, etc...) in a given jurisdiction. Assessed value is a percentage of the appraised value.  For example, a house with an appraised value of $100,000 has an assessed value of $11,500 because residential property is assessed at 11.5% of appraised value. Mill Levies are expressed in $1 of tax per $1,000 of assessed value.  The mill levy is set by the public to fund public services such as schools, parks, and recreation areas. The total value of property in the jurisdiction will be taxed at the mill levy rate, raising funds needed for the public services. 

Proceeds from school bonds can be used for capital expenditures, including remodeling and repairing existing school facilities, the construction of building projects like classrooms, stadiums, and libraries, as well as the acquisition of land.  Funds can also be used for the purchase of buses, equipment, and materials, including textbooks, computers, technology infrastructure, musical instruments, science materials, and other resources. 

No. By law, bonds cannot be used for teacher salaries or recurring expenses such as utilities and operations. Bonds are earmarked for one-time costs such as school facilities, capital improvements, instructional materials, and transportation. 

The funds raised from a special bond election can only be used on the project(s) described in the ballot language. Any remaining funds after the project is completed can only be used to enhance the specific approved project, or to pay down the bond. However, just like a personal mortgage, a bond can be refinanced when it benefits the district. 

The question on the ballot will appear as follows:

"Shall the following be adopted? 

Shall Unified School District No. 419, McPherson County, Kansas (Canton-Galva), issue general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $4,725,000 to pay the costs to: (a) make improvements to the District Jr./Sr. High School in Canton including constructing, equipping and furnishing a new Vo-Ag building, exterior site improvements including sidewalks, parking lots, repairs to the existing building exterior envelope, repairs and/or replacement of the roof, replacement of HVAC equipment and controls, and installation of a new track and associated site improvements; (b) make improvements to the District Elementary School in Galva including upgrades to the mechanical system and equipment, repairs and/or replacement of the roof, replacement of HVAC equipment and controls, exterior site improvements including sidewalks, parking lots, and repairs to the building exterior envelope; (c) make all other necessary improvements appurtenant thereto (the “Project”); and pay financing costs of issuance and capitalized interest affiliated with the general obligation bonds of the District, all pursuant to the provisions of K.S.A. 10-101 et seq., K.S.A. 25-2018(f), K.S.A. 72-5457, and K.S.A. 72-5458 et seq.?"

To vote in favor of the question would be to respond "Yes."

January-February 2023

The USD 419 Board of Education (BOE) discussed the need for and approved the facilities assessment process. 

August 2023

USD 419 Facilities Assessment Report was completed and outlined specific recommendations of areas for review. The recommendation was made to form a committee to help with decisions and develop a list of projects that can be done internally and what will require additional external funding. 

September-December 2023

During this time, USD 419 reviewed and approved the completion of multiple facility improvement projects including replacing windows at the Elementary School (ES) and Jr/Sr High School (JSHS), ES soffits/fascia replacement, and a roof replacement of the Vocational Area at the JSHS. 

January 2024

BOE holds a special board meeting to discuss district facilities (instructional, athletic), personnel, and miscellaneous. 

February 2024

Facilities Steering Committee (FSC) made up of community members, board members, and USD 419 staff is formed and begins meeting monthly. This group reports to the BOE. The scope of work for facility improvements is discussed based on the Facilities Assessment Report completed in 2023. A strategic planning session is held and the FSC reviews options for a bond issue. 

March-July 2024

Previously approved projects are completed during this time, including signage, JSHS windows, replacement of two doors at the ES blue gym on the west side, ES Gym roof replacement, JSHS gym AC repair and refurbishment, four Roof-Top Units replaced at ES and JSHS, and the old electrical panels replaced at both buildings, based on the Facilities Assessment Report findings. 

Fall 2024

The BOE begins the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) process and selects JGR Architecture and Simpson Construction Services. After selection, Simpson Construction develops a detailed budget estimate for the remaining projects outlined in the Facilities Assessment Report that would be included in the bond issue. 

Winter 2024

The BOE reviews bids and approved the JSHS roof replacement to be completed in the summer of 2025. 

January 2025

After the Facilities Steering Committee (FSC) met monthly for 1 year, on 1/2/2025, the FSC, JGR Architects, and Simpson Construction reviewed the official bond resolution language and scope of work estimate and discussed plans for an upcoming bond election. The BOE voted unanimously 7-0 in support of the bond resolution on 1/7/2025 for the bond election to be held on 4/22/2025. 

February-March 2025

The KIDS Committee (Keep Improving District Schools), which comprises approximately 20 community members, board members, and USD 419 staff members, begins working together and scheduling public informational meetings at different locations throughout the Canton-Galva community. These meetings will be held throughout March and April to propose the district's bond plan and answer any questions.

April 22, 2025 - Election Day

The Proposed Bond Issue Plan of Finance is what is referred to as a “wrap” structure. USD 419 has outstanding bonds approved by voters and issued in 2012. These bonds are scheduled to be totally paid off in 2032 and require a levy of 12.27 mills. Based on conservative estimates as to interest rate (4%) and tax base growth in the future, a new total mill rate of 17 mills will provide adequate resources to pay both the existing bonds and the proposed Series 2025 bonds. Until the old bonds are retired, we will structure the new bonds with smaller payments through 2032 and increase such in 2033. As we are currently paying the 12.27 mills, the net increase to local taxpayers is estimated to be 4.73 mills (17 mills minus the current 12.27 mills). All bonds will be retired by 2038 (13 years). A lower interest rate, or continued tax base growth, could result in a lesser mill rate or the ability to pay off the bond earlier than 2038. For more information on the bond plan of finance, please read more here.

The new Vo-Ag building will significantly enhance hands-on learning opportunities and expand course offerings for students. With new lab space, the district can introduce two additional agricultural pathways: Natural Resource and Environmental Science and Food Products and Processing, giving students more options to explore careers in agriculture and science. The additional kitchen and lab space will strengthen the existing food science course while also making it possible to offer a meat science course and host farm-to-table events, further connecting students to real-world applications of their studies.

In plant and soil science, the expanded space would allow for floral design and horticulture courses, broadening students’ exposure to plant sciences. The new shop space will provide dedicated areas for both the production and maintenance aspects of the manufacturing pathway, while also increasing the rigor of the mobile equipment pathway through project-based learning opportunities. This facility will also serve as a hub for community engagement, making it possible to host advisory nights, student organizational meetings, and collaborative projects such as plant sales and food science initiatives.

Beyond agriculture, the new Vo-Ag building would enable the district to offer additional Family and Consumer Science courses within the main school building, further enhancing students’ career and technical education options. By investing in this facility, USD 419 can create new opportunities for students while strengthening connections between the school and the community.

Great schools are the heart of thriving communities and cities. Young people are our future workforce, homeowners, and taxpayers, and our schools prepare these young leaders to be successful in college, careers, and life. When a community invests in its schools, it is investing in a stronger, brighter future for all residents. That same investment in schools also keeps neighborhoods vital, safe, and attractive, while increasing property values. 

If you have ever had children in public school or were a public school student yourself, people before you helped to fund the schools you and/or your child(ren) attended. Likewise, when current residents help pay for the schools we have now, they are investing in the future. As new residents move into our district, they assume these taxes as well. Regardless of where you live in Kansas, your property taxes will help fund schools in that area.

Election Date: The bond question will be held on the April 22, 2025 ballot.

Advance Voting: The first day of advance voting is April 2 and the last day for in-person advance voting is April 21 at noon. In-person advance voting is at the McPherson County Courthouse (Basement).

Election Day Details - April 22nd, 2025:

CANTON: Voting will be held at the Canton Community Center located at 100 W McPherson St, Canton, KS 67428.

GALVA: Voting will be held at the Galva Community Center located at 200 S Main St, Galva, KS 67443.

The polls will open at 7:00 am and close at 7:00 pm on April 22nd. 

There are three ways you can register to vote in Kansas:

1. Online voter registration can be completed here.

2. You can register by mail by completing the form found here.

3. You can register in person at the McPherson County Clerk Office (117 N Maple St, McPherson, KS 67460).

** The deadline for voter registration is April 1st.**

Voter Eligibility in Kansas requires the following 4 items:

1. You must be a U.S. Citizen.

2. You must be 18 years of age on or before election day.

3. You must be a resident of the State of Kansas

4. You must NOT currently be under sentence for a felony

**TO VOTE ON THIS BOND, YOUR ADDRESS ON FILE ALSO HAS TO BE IN THE CANTON-GALVA SCHOOL DISTRICT**

If you are already registered and would like to verify what information is on file with the Secretary of State you can do that at https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/VoterView