Centennial bond issue passes

CENTENNIAL SCHOOL DISTRICT – According to the Seward County Clerk’s office, Centennial’s $7.9 million bond issue has passed with 605 people voting in favor and 492 voting against.

​Proponents of the bond issue say, “Our school is committed to providing the best learning environment for our students. To meet the evolving needs of our students and communities, we are proposing a bond issue which will fund several critical improvements to our school facilities. These enhancements will not only modernize the campus but also create safer, more efficient and more effective spaces for learning and activities.”
There will be specific improvements: a modernized kitchen and cafeteria; a new multi-use gymnasium; additional classrooms to support growth and new programs; an on-site bus barn; safer facilities; expanded extracurricular and athletic opportunities; and preparations for the future.
The school district says the following about the specific improvements:

• Modernized kitchen and cafeteria: “The multi-purpose small gym will be renovated into a new, fully-functional kitchen and cafeteria, improving meal service efficiency and creating a comfortable dining space for students; a larger, updated cafeteria will reduce overcrowding, allowing students to eat in a timely manner and enjoy a better overall experience; a modern kitchen will allow for improved meal preparation, ensuring students receive nutritious meals efficiently.”
• New multi-use gym: “The construction of a new gym will provide a versatile space for physical education classes, school activities, athletic practices and youth activity usage. Increased gym availability will allow for better scheduling of practices and events, giving all students access to quality practice times. The new facility will be designed to accommodate multiple sports and activities, creating a space which benefits all students.”
• Additional classrooms to support growth and new programs: “Over the past few years, we have added new courses to expand student opportunities, but we need additional classroom space to support these programs. New classrooms will help improve the learning environment, ensuring each student has access to the resources they need. Updated classrooms will be designed to meet modern educational standards, incorporating technology and flexible learning spaces.
• On-site bus barn: A dedicated bus barn will protect school buses from weather damage, extending their lifespan and reducing maintenance costs. On-site storage of buses will improve transportation efficiency, ensuring timely and safe student transportation. Security improvements will help protect district assets and provide a centralized location for bus management and maintenance.”
• Safer and more functional facilities: “With the demolition of the old school building, we will be able to create a more cohesive and accessible campus which better serves students and staff. Safety improvements, including updated infrastructure, improved traffic flow and secure entrances, will enhance the overall security of our school. New, energy-efficient facilities will reduce long-term maintenance costs, ensuring financial sustainability for the district.”
• Expanded extracurricular and athletic opportunities: “The additional gym space will allow for increased participation in extracurricular activities, ensuring students in all sports and programs have access to adequate facilities. More practice and event space will eliminate scheduling conflicts and ensure student-athletes have the necessary time to develop their skills. The gym will be a multi-use facility, allowing not just sprots teams but also clubs, performances and events to take place in the new area.”
• Preparing for the future and strengthening communities: “These updates will allow us to accommodate future student enrollment growth, ensuring our school remains a top educational institution for years to come. The new facilities will serve as a hub for the communities, providing space for local events, meetings and recreational activities. A well-maintained, modern school enhances property values and school pride, making our district a desirable place to live and learn.”

This was an all-mail special election, in which the ballots were sent to registered voters in the Centennial footprint in Seward, York, Butler and Polk Counties. Voters could then send the ballots back to their respective county clerks in the mail or deliver them in person. At 5 p.m., on Tuesday, June 10, all the ballots were transported to Seward County for counting.