$15.4 million bond issue for schools passes in Cheney

Cheney residents approved a $15.4 million bond issue to fund maintenance and improvements for its public schools, including safety and security additions, technology upgrades in classrooms and a new multiple-use baseball complex.

Seventy-three percent of voters who turned out at the polls Tuesday said “yes” to the measure, which will also pay to build tornado shelters and secure entrances for the district’s elementary, middle and high schools and other facility improvements, including the replacement of air-conditioning units.

According to the Sedgwick County Election Office’s website, 752 people – about 35 percent of eligible voters – cast ballots Tuesday. The unofficial vote was 550-198.

Results will be finalized after canvassing is complete next week, according to the election office’s website.

Cheney school board president Jason Gregory said Tuesday that residents should expect to see about a $7- to $8-a-month increase in property taxes – possibly less – for a $100,000 home to fund the bond issue.

The length of the bond has not yet been decided, he said, adding that a “reasonable expectation” would be 20 years.

“It’s a great day for Cheney schools,” Gregory said of the bond issue’s passing.

“The impact this will have on the students and the community is really big.”

Cheney, west of Wichita and south of U.S. 54, has a population of about 2,000. The school district serves about 800 students.

The high school opened in 1996, Gregory said; the bonds for that project expire later this year.

This story was originally published June 10, 2014 at 9:12 PM with the headline "$15.4 million bond issue for schools passes in Cheney."