Board reviews capital outlay plan and facility survey as bond timing, website and curriculum changes are discussed

The Independence School District 2342 board reviewed and approved a capital outlay funding plan that designates state capital dollars to curriculum purchases, building/grounds repairs and equipment while staff and board discussed timing relative to a potential facility bond.

Mr. Bowman presented the capital outlay plan and itemized needs: curriculum purchases (social studies curriculum listed at $60,000; elementary math digital access renewal estimated at $10,000 for one year), building and grounds repairs (playground fence ~$5,300; gym painting estimate ~$10,000; back entry/parking lot repairs), and capital equipment (toolcat blade $4,500; auditorium carpet quote ~$29,000). The presentation noted that some funds are restricted to capital uses and cannot be used for wages.

Board members raised the practical question of whether some planned repairs (for example the back parking lot and entry road) would be disrupted if a bond project proceeds; administrators said they will confirm which items should be moved into the bond scope and pursue firmer quotes. "I'll reach out to Kraus‑Anderson just to see if they have that," one administrator said about potential overlap with bond contractor work.

Related items discussed in the same agenda block included the School Perceptions bond referendum survey schedule (staff surveys to go out April 20; family and resident mail/email April 23–24; results due May 11 and presented to the board May 20) and a proposal to rename senior seminar to include personal finance and pathways so juniors and seniors take the course (class of 2028 would be first cohort under the change).

The board authorized the capital outlay plan and agreed to gather more firm cost estimates and coordinate with buildings and grounds before committing to nonbond projects that might be subsumed by a future bond.

What’s next: administration will obtain additional bids/quotes, coordinate with buildings and grounds committee and Kraus‑Anderson on bond overlap, and return with refined recommendations before July 1 spending can occur.