Clark district outlines $35 million facilities plan, $9 million state aid in bond referendum

Clark Public Schools officials told the Board of Education that a bond referendum on Sept. 16 would authorize about $35 million in needed projects and would unlock about $9 million in state aid, reducing the district’s local share to approximately $26 million, the board said. The board said the referendum was structured to replace an expiring referendum so it would not increase the current tax burden.

At the meeting, the board described projects that would be eligible for the bond funds, including roof repairs across buildings and an elementary expansion to address population growth. The district said the amount of state aid available—about $9 million—would lower the local share to roughly $26 million.

Board officials explained the tax impact to voters by analogy: with a previous referendum expiring, a new bond would effectively replace those payments so residents would not see an added tax increase if the referendum passes. The board asked the community to vote on Sept. 16 and said detailed project lists and costs are part of the referendum materials.

When asked by a resident what projects would be prioritized if the referendum failed, the board said it had not made firm prioritization decisions and would work with construction managers and project managers to develop options if required. The board said it hoped to avoid that contingency but would “cross that bridge” after the vote.

The board also reported routine academic and assessment updates in the meeting, including that nearly 80% of English language learners scored at level 3 or above on a district assessment, and listed back-to-school and open-house dates for the district.

No formal action authorizing the referendum was recorded during the meeting minutes delivered in this session; the board urged voters to participate on Sept. 16.