Voter Guide

Four-sevenths majority required.Ballot wording: Shall the Board of Education of the Meramec Valley R-III School District of Franklin, St. Louis and Jefferson Counties, Pacific, Missouri, issue general obligation bonds in the amount of $43,000,000 for the purpose of renovating, expanding, improving, acquiring, constructing, furnishing and equipping school buildings, sites and facilities, including the construction of a new middle school with storm shelter and athletic facility improvements, the acquisition and installation of technology infrastructure and equipment upgrades, safety and security improvements, and energy efficiency improvements? If this proposition is approved, the debt service levy of the school district is estimated to remain unchanged from the current debt service levy of $0.95 per one hundred dollars of assessed valuation of real and personal property.Summary: The measure would allow the district to borrow $43 million to build a new middle school and make security and facility upgrades across the district. If passed, taxes would not increase but the bond debt would be extended about 20 years. The new middle school for seventh and eighth grades would be built, while fifth and sixth graders would attend Riverbend Middle School. Roof, HVAC, lighting and other repairs also would be made and classrooms would be renovated. Supporters say more space for middle schoolers is needed because enrollment is growing.