The Nixa Board of Education has approved two issues for the April 2 ballot.
Question 1 is a Debt Service Bond Issue with no tax levy increase for various projects, and Question 2 is a change to the current Operating Levy. The approval of both ballot issues would allow the district to access funds to complete the following projects:
- Construct classroom additions at Century Elementary that would allow the district to bring 4th graders back to the school from Summit.
- Remodel Eagle Stadium at Nixa High School with expanded seating and concession areas.
- Construct a new performing arts center at Nixa High School, which would seat at least 1,000 people, to replace the current theater and remodel theater classroom areas.
- Remodel the current theater to a new band room to accommodate the students who are enrolled in the band program.
- Expand the choir room to accommodate the students who are enrolled in the choir program.
- Enhance the teacher salary schedule.
- Nixa’s current starting teacher salary is $36,781.
- Nixa’s starting salary is less than area schools including Ozark, Springfield, Willard, and Republic.
- Nixa’s starting salary is less than the state average starting salary of $37,454 for school districts with 4,000-14,999 student population, according to MSTA’s 2017-18 salary schedule report.
- According to an April 2018 NEA report, Missouri ranks #41 in teacher pay.
- Nixa High School would expand classroom space.
- Since the school opened almost 20 years ago, the high school’s population has grown from about 1000 students to almost 1700 students.
- High Pointe Elementary and Century Elementary would receive upgrades to their entrances to allow for a more secure and controlled entry into the school.
- Inman Intermediate would receive roofing repairs.
- High Pointe & Summit will receive a classroom infill.
- Construct multi-purpose rooms/gyms at Century and Espy.
- Yearly maintenance on and upgrade of HVAC systems as needed at district buildings.
- Complete roofing repairs across the district.
- The district also has additional projects that would be completed if funding allows.
On Question 1 the Debt Service Tax-Levy will not change from its current rate of $1.0666 if the Bond Issue passes or fails. Question 2 is a $0.41 Operating Tax Levy increase for various projects.
The increase would be approximately $6.49 a month for a $100,000 home. The last time the Board of Education asked for an increase to the Operating Levy was 14 years ago.
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