Dec 26, 2025

USD 418 places two-question bond proposal on March ballot

Posted Dec 26, 2025 11:45 AM
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MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post

The McPherson Unified School District (USD 418) has finalized a two-part bond proposal that will appear on the March 3, 2026 election ballot, advancing a major facilities initiative designed to modernize schools, improve safety, and address aging infrastructure without—or with a targeted—tax increase.

The plan stems from the district’s Long-Range Facility Plan, adopted by the Board of Education following months of community engagement, data analysis and survey feedback. The proposal is separated into two questions to clearly communicate priorities and financial structure to voters.

Two Questions, One Strategic Plan

Question 1, which is structured to be mill-rate neutral, asks voters to approve $62.5 million in funding for high-priority projects that will not increase the current school tax rate. Key components include:

This image shows a general idea of what the building could look like. Final design work will occur after a successful bond election, and details may change based on stakeholder feedback and needs. (Courtesy McPherson Public Schools)
This image shows a general idea of what the building could look like. Final design work will occur after a successful bond election, and details may change based on stakeholder feedback and needs. (Courtesy McPherson Public Schools)
  1. Construction of a new academic wing at McPherson High School with updated classrooms and learning spaces.
  2. Expanded career and technology labs, critical safety and security upgrades, and extensive HVAC, electrical, and roof improvements.
  3. Demolition of the “hexagon” section of the high school
  4. Creation of secured main entrances at Lincoln and Roosevelt elementary schools.
  5. Payoff of existing leases tied to energy improvements and the high school athletic field and turf.

District officials emphasize that this first phase focuses on the most urgent infrastructure needs while maintaining current tax rates by leveraging existing debt structures.

This image shows a general idea of what the building could look like. Final design work will occur after a successful bond election, and details may change based on stakeholder feedback and needs. (Courtesy McPherson Public Schools)
This image shows a general idea of what the building could look like. Final design work will occur after a successful bond election, and details may change based on stakeholder feedback and needs. (Courtesy McPherson Public Schools)

Question 2, contingent on the success of the first, would authorize $27 million and require a 4.75 mill increase—approximately $9.10 per month for the owner of a $200,000 home—toward broader districtwide improvements. These include:

  1. Renovation and expansion of Eisenhower Elementary School to convert it into a middle school facility, with a secure entrance, competition gymnasium, and enhanced science and technology spaces.
  2. Renovations at all existing elementary schools including Lincoln, Roosevelt and Washington.
  3. Upgrades to restroom, concession and spectator facilities at the high school athletic field.
(Courtesy McPherson Public Schools)
(Courtesy McPherson Public Schools)

According to the district’s materials, the two-question structure provides voters a direct choice on essential upgrades while showing how future improvements build upon the foundational work funded by Question 1.

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