School Improvement Bond Campaign

Frequently Asked Questions

About the Parsons District School Bond Issue 2005

Why is it critical to pass a bond issue now?

Under the current formula for State support of school bond issues, Parsons would receive 40% of the bond and interest over the life of the bond. We would be responsible for 60% of the bond. According to our State legislators Jeff Jack and Dwayne Umbarger, it is “very likely” this State aid will not be available for school districts following this fiscal year ending June 30, 2005. The taxpayers of Parsons are supporting bond issues passed by other school districts. Now is the time for Parsons to bring some of that money back home….$6.6 Million back home.

Why do we need an auxiliary gymnasium at the High School?

We need another smaller gym for physical education classes and athletic practices. We have almost 250 students enrolled in Physical Education. Since this averages over forty students in each class, some of our classes are held in both the gym and in the basement weight room. We must follow current regulations, which means that no students will be allowed in the basement for classes. Our basement is not ADA accessible and has no direct exit to the outside. One existing exit will be closed off with the new construction.

During the early 1970’s and the passing of Title IX, we were federally mandated to offer equal athletics and activity opportunities for females. During the winter months, we have three girls basketball teams and three boys basketball teams. Add wrestling, basketball cheerleaders, wrestling cheerleaders, and Dustkickers to the mix and we must schedule practices for students during the time before school, beginning at 6:00 a.m. and after school until 9:00 p.m. Spaces will be constructed to serve as a Tornado Shelter in this area.

Why do we need an auditorium at the High School?

Our current auditorium stage is half the recommended size and unable to hold any one of our musical groups for concerts. The auditorium itself has poor temperature control, no acoustic or sound treatments, inadequate lighting, and a very poor quality sound system. Parsons is credited with starting the first instrumental music program in schools in the United States with the offering of orchestra class in 1913. Parsons’ music-rich tradition will be enhanced with the addition of a performance-quality auditorium that will double as a large (300 seat) presentation for small evening performances and a lecture hall. Our desire is to offer not only our students and staff access, but also to open it for community and business use.

Why do we need to renovate the track?

Due to the deterioration of the track surface, we have been unable to hold a track meet in Parsons for over fifteen years! The track on the high school campus is the only track located in the entire city. The repairs are required in order for Parsons District Schools to continue a track and field program at the Middle School and High School levels and to provide a safe place for the community to exercise. Continuing these programs without the needed renovation is a liability for the school district.

Why do we need more classrooms if we have declined in enrollment?

The additional facilities we need at each elementary include larger libraries and additional small group rooms for intensive instruction in the areas of reading and mathematics as required by No Child Left Behind Act (federal mandate). Now, students are taught in closet spaces and hallways. The additional classrooms are due to space needs for all day kindergarten added in 2001 and for Special Education programming mandated 30 years ago. We made everything fit into the current space but it is inadequate. Our children deserve a quality facility with adequate space for quality learning. The new construction at Garfield and Lincoln also will serve as Tornado Shelters.

One little known fact is that, with the exception of this year, our high school has increased in enrollment every year for the past seven years. We are using all classroom space and hallways to accommodate our larger high school enrollment.

Why don’t we reopen Washington school?

We cannot afford to maintain another building. Reopening Washington would cost us hundreds of thousands of dollars in additional renovations to bring it up to code. This would include asbestos abatement, new flooring, and the installation of a new HVAC system.