Below are answers to frequently asked questions, organized by subject for your convenience. This page will be updated regularly as new questions arise. If you have a question that isn’t addressed here or on our Facility Study Information page, please complete our Feedback Form.

Bond Detail Questions:

Once a bond is allocated, how long does the district have to spend it? 

• The district has approximately 5 years to spend the money.   

How soon would construction start if a bond were issued? 

• Depending on the scope of the renovation, it could take 4-8 months for the final design phase to be completed.  It would take approximately 2 summers, as some of the work cannot be completed while school is in session.   

• A new building would take at least 18 to 24 months to construct. 

What is the bond period?

• The bond is a 25-year bond.   

Why did we use the example of $100,000 for the cost of residential homes?

• Most homes in our district are worth more than $100,000, but we used that number because it’s a round, easy number. That way, families can do the math for themselves to figure out what the bond would cost on their own house.

What was the process of prioritizing the things that showed up in this bond?

• We had professionals conduct a needs assessment of our buildings. We then worked with administrators at each building to identify top priorities. A Facility Steering Committee further narrowed these down, and both staff and parents provided input through a survey. The USD 450 Board of Education took all of this data and input into account and made the final selection. The projects in this bond are the ones that rose to the top as most important for safety, learning, and accessibility for all students.

What is the value that will be achieved in terms of academics, budgetary, and even hopefully improving the desire to live in the 450 district?

• Academics: Modernized learning environments will support more effective instruction and collaboration. Additional space for small-group work will enhance intervention programs and enable educators to better meet the individual needs of students.

• Budget: Addressing facility needs now helps avoid higher repair or replacement costs in the future, making this a fiscally responsible investment.

• Community: Strong, high-quality schools attract and retain families, instill community

Can we maintain these new additions going forward?

• Yes. The district has a comprehensive maintenance plan and a dedicated team in place to ensure the upkeep of our facilities. In fact, newer spaces are often easier and less expensive to maintain than older ones, so investing now can help us save time and money in the long run.