No. A new high school typically costs over $100 million. Redesigning MWHS will gain a result reasonably comparable to a new school but at half the cost.

The improvements (safety and security, deferred maintenance, and redesign of MWHS) are a significant and timely investment in our community’s facilities. Postponing the improvements will only cost more later.

• Operating levy (supports daily expenses of operating schools): approved in 2019, expires in 2029. This is a phased-in levy; the second and final phase will start affecting taxes payable in 2024.
• Capital Projects levy (supports technology and curriculum): approved in 2014, expires in 2024. The 2023 election will ask voters to extend this existing levy at its current level.
• Facilities bond to build the Westonka Activity Center and the Performing Arts Center: approved in 2016, payable over 15 years.

No. If Question 2 (bond referendum) is approved, residents will experience a one-time increase to their school property taxes and will see a level tax rate over the 25-year payment period of the bond. As presented at the June 5, 2023 Westonka School Board meeting, the proposed $93.4 million plan includes two bond issues that wrap around the district’s existing debt. As the current debt commitments fall off, payments on the bond increase, but total school property taxes for residents will remain flat (pending home valuation changes).

The bond was structured this way for three reasons: 1) to manage the tax implications for property owners, 2) to create consistency for property owners, and 3) to mitigate the interest expense. For more detail, please review the project financing schedule PDF.

The natural turf on Field #12 is in very poor condition. If Question 2 (bond referendum) is approved, the district will install a synthetic turf field inside the track that will increase durability, extend the playing season, and allow for extensive use. The addition of a synthetic turf field on the high school campus will also help the district maintain/improve the quality of its existing grass fields, as there will be less pressure from three-season use.

If Question 2 (bond referendum) is approved, construction is expected to take place between 2024 and 2026, with the majority of work being completed over the summer months.

Yes! Similar to a home mortgage, when bond interest rates fall, school districts have the opportunity to refinance their debt, and Westonka Public Schools has a history of doing just that. For example, in the 2020-21 school year, Westonka refinanced a bond approved by voters in 2011 for districtwide facilities maintenance, resulting in an interest savings of $1,021,069 for district taxpayers.

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