THANK YOU SMSD Patrons!

Shawnee Mission voters unanimously approved the 2021 bond proposal question.

Official results indicate strong support for the $264 million bond, which will allow district-wide facilities improvements and the hiring of additional secondary teachers.

Nearly 70 % voted “YES” in favor of the bond, with and 30% voting against. 

The Bond election was held between January 6-26, 2021 as a Mail-In Ballot election. All registered voters within district boundaries were mailed a ballot from the Johnson County Election Office. About 29% of all ballots were returned; an excellent “turn-out” percentage for this type of an election.

The $264 million bond will provide updates to buildings across the district, including the rebuilding of five elementary schools.  Facilities will be improved for students in Pre-K through 12th grade in every feeder pattern.

The bond also will allow the district to shift some custodial/maintenance salaries into the capital fund. This will free up funds in the operating fund to hire additional secondary teachers and better support student learning.

“Thank you to the entire Shawnee Mission community for the support of this bond,” Superintendent Dr. Mike Fulton expressed. “We know excellent schools are essential to strong communities. Our goal is that we continue to be ranked among the finest school districts in the nation, employing exceptional educators who work in state-of-the-art facilities where learners achieve their full potential. We appreciate our community’s support for teachers and for helping each student achieve their personal best.”  

The proposed bond was developed as part of a multi-year process. Survey data from 2019-20 indicated strong support for a potential bond. The bond funding and the items it pays for are part of the overall SMSD Strategic Plan, a 5-year plan developed with the input and deliberation of the entire community. This included task force groups and sub-committee’s lead by students, teachers, school staff, parents, administrators, community members and business leaders.

“We are grateful to our community for supporting the District’s efforts to maintain our facilities and reduce secondary educators’ workload,” said Board President Heather Ousley.  “We will roll up our sleeves and get to work.”

Since its founding in 1985, The Committee for Excellence has worked tirelessly on numerous election campaigns in support if the Shawnee Mission School District. The committee is made up of volunteers from throughout our SMSD community and conducts the campaign for the “YES VOTE” independently from the Board of Education and SMSD administrative officials. The Committee solicits donations in order to conduct its efforts.

Shawnee Mission previously passed a $223 million bond in 2015 and a $184 million bond in 2004.