April Ballots 2026 FAQs

The school board and district leadership have been meeting to plan for future financial and operational needs through a process referred to as the “Road to a Sustainable Destiny.” This planning effort focuses on long-term budgeting and resource management.

The district is currently experiencing a budget shortfall the budget shortfall of approximately $14M as of September 2025. In an effort to rightsize district finances, leadership has presented potential cost savings to the Board of Education for the current school year and 2026-2027. In addition to evaluating expenditures, the district presented two options that would generate additional revenue to the operating budget without increasing the overall tax levy rate, a $0.30 debt levy transfer to operating and a $20M general obligation bond. 

If the debt levy transfer and bond are implemented, the district estimates an increase of approximately $3.4 to $3.5 million annually for the operating budget, while maintaining the overall tax rate.

The proposed GO Bond would repurpose this existing debt, moving it to the Debt Service Fund. The proposed $0.30 debt levy transfer would reallocate existing district funds from the debt service fund to the operating fund. If both are approved, these would add approximately $3.3 to $3.4 million annually beginning in 2026-2027 school year. 

No. If voters choose to approve these ballot measures, it also would not increase the overall tax levy rate or increase taxes to homeowners. 

District residents may vote on the proposed levy transfer and bond on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. The deadline to register to vote is March 11, 2026. Information about voter registration is available:

• On Jackson County's website
• On Kansas City Election Board's website

The district began work on the “Road to a Sustainable Destiny” planning process at the start of the 2025–2026 school year. This process includes reviewing district finances and long-term operational needs.

Information about previous community engagement activities and future planning efforts is available on the district's webpage.