Jefferson West School District bond vote fails: what's next?
JEFFERSON COUNTY (KSNT) - After a vote failed to put more tax dollars toward upgrades in Jefferson West schools, the question is, what will the district do now? Here's what school, officials are saying.
27 News caught up with USD 340 Superintendent Brad Neuenswander about the district's next steps since the bond issue vote failed.
Neuenswander said they will hold monthly board meetings and special meetings to reevaluate their visions for facilities and other high priorities. This is to ensure their vision and mission align with their future goals.
"I just think there was a lot of people that weren't comfortable," Neuenswander said when commenting on why he thought the vote failed. "While they support our school, they support our kids. They may not have had enough information to make a confident vote. I think it was hard for a lot of our people to grasp just the scope of work that's needed, which tells me it's probably going to take more time. But this has got to be what our community wants."
The district will open a new early childhood center in August 2025. Neuenswander said the center will be in Ozawkie and will be a great opportunity for family and kids - which is one of their highest priorities right now.
For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.