Millard Public Schools is putting forth a $150 million bond issue to address facility improvements across the district’s 35 schools, with no anticipated increase in the tax rate. Voters will have until Feb.11 at 5:00 p.m. to cast their ballots, with results expected to be announced shortly after.
If approved, the bond referendum would allow the district to sell bonds, granting the financial flexibility to enhance educational facilities while maintaining daily operations. The funds would be used exclusively for capital investments, tackling essential maintenance and modernization projects long overdue in aging school buildings. If passed, planning will begin this year, with construction slated for the summer of 2026.
“While a single school might not see major work done, all of our 35 schools will be impacted in some way,” Superintendent Dr. John Schwartz said. “The proposed renovations will include updates to safety and security measures with $77 million allocated to enhancing security features, $40 million for interior renovations, and $41 million dedicated to facility maintenance.”
Millard West High School, celebrating its 30th year, is one of the eight schools targeted for improvements. In past bond cycles, funding primarily addressed older facilities built in the 1960s and 1970s, such as Central Middle School and Norris Elementary School. This bond, however, expands the scope to include the center and northern schools of the district in need of renovations.
Despite this significant investment, MPS assures taxpayers the bond will not result in a tax rate increase. With the district’s disciplined plan for managing debt, they can maintain and improve without raising taxes. A consistent bond cycle is followed every five to seven years, which has allowed for systematic facility improvements while keeping costs manageable for taxpayers. The district’s tax rate currently stands at 11.5 cents, one of the lowest in the Omaha metro area.
“With this bond issue, we would be able to maintain our schools, while also giving students a great education in the buildings they are in,” Principal Dr. Greg Tiemann said. “Nothing changes for taxpayers except the district would be able to give schools the renovations, maintenance and security features they need.”
One of the key safety initiatives involved in the bond is the addition of secure entry vestibules in the 21 schools that currently lack them. A recent third-party safety audit highlighted the need for increased security measures, ensuring that all visitors pass through a designated checkpoint before gaining access to school buildings.
“This bond issue means investing in the safety and success of our students,” Principal of Russell Middle School Dr. Beth Fink said. “By creating secure school entrances, we’re not just improving our safety, we’re reinforcing our commitment to maintaining excellence that makes our district a place where students, teachers and families can thrive.”
If the bond is approved, the district will start working with engineers to determine which projects to prioritize. They aim to complete most of the work during the summer months to minimize disruptions during the school year.
With careful planning and community support, Millard Public Schools hopes to continue to provide students with modern, safe, and efficient learning spaces. The upcoming vote will determine whether the district can move forward with its vision for the future, ensuring its facilities remain conducive to academic success for years to come.
