Francis Howell board OKs ballot measures to shift levy funds and seek $150 million in bonds

The Friends of South School Board on June 18 approved resolutions to place two finance measures on the November ballot aimed at shoring up the Francis Howell School District’s finances and facilities.

Administrators described Proposition O as a transfer of 12.5 cents from the district’s debt service levy to its operating levy that would shift about $5.5 million a year into operating funds while leaving the total tax levy unchanged. “This is an opportunity for a no tax rate increase solution for our taxpayers,” an administrator said when presenting the ballot language and fiscal effect. The board approved the motion to call the election by voice vote.

The board also approved a resolution calling for a November 3, 2026 bond election for Proposition H, a proposed $150 million general obligation bond to construct, renovate and equip district facilities. Facilities staff and Hollis Miller Architects presented a facilities master plan, prioritized projects (maintenance, safety/security and learning-environment improvements) and a multi-year implementation timeline. The presenter said delaying a bond beyond 2026 could raise costs materially because of inflation and competing demand for contractors.

As part of preparing for a bond sale, the board approved an engagement letter for Thompson Coburn to serve as bond counsel and disclosure counsel in connection with the proposed issuance. Administrators highlighted several policy and process changes made since the district’s prior bond program, including new requirements that no construction work begin under a construction manager at risk method until a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) for the full project is known and approved by the board.

Board members asked detailed questions about voter communications, legal limits on ballot wording and the net effect on taxpayers. The administration advised the board it can post factual, nonpartisan explanatory material on the district website and use plain‑language infographics, but it cannot alter the official ballot text. In response to questions about tax impact, administrators said the transfer in Prop O would not change the total levy and therefore would not, by itself, change a property owner’s tax bill; changes in assessed valuation would still affect individual tax bills.

The presentations framed the measures as complementary: administrators said Prop O would add recurring operating capacity while Prop H would fund capital needs without increasing the tax rate. Speakers repeatedly cautioned that if neither measure passes, the district would have to consider staffing and benefit reductions or other cuts because personnel costs are the district’s largest expense.

The board approved both resolutions by voice vote and directed staff to proceed with the actions needed to place the measures on the ballot. The administration also said it will produce factual informational materials for the public and follow the new policy guidance on construction oversight and reporting.

Next steps: the district will post explanation materials and continue board-level briefings; each bond project would be brought back to the board for separate approvals (design, bidding and contract award) if the bond passes.