Wentzville R‑IV outlines $185 million Phase 1 bond plan for urgent school repairs

District staff presented details of a proposed Phase 1 bond (Prop O) to the Wentzville R‑IV board on June 18, laying out a $185 million plan intended to address critical facilities and safety needs across the district.

The presentation broke Phase 1 into major projects: a Heritage Elementary rebuild estimated at $65,000,000; a Holt High School renovation estimated at $65,000,000; a Wentzville Middle School renovation and addition estimated at $50,000,000; and $5,000,000 for districtwide safety upgrades (cameras, window film, guard houses and related items). Presenters said the plan was based on a comprehensive facilities assessment that identified roughly $309,000,000 in critical needs and that the district’s annual capital budget would not cover the work in a reasonable timeframe.

Presenters told the board that if Prop O passes in August, urgent triage and safety upgrades would begin and projects could start in summer 2027; the district emphasized a need for about six months to complete drawings and permitting for the three major buildings. They said tax rates would remain the same if the proposal passes because assessed values and levy assumptions were part of the financial plan.

Board members raised timing and cost concerns: construction cost escalation and permitting timelines make an August ballot the preferred option rather than waiting for a November election, which could delay start dates and raise costs. Presenters warned that if Prop O fails, the district would continue a “Band Aid” approach — completing smaller repairs as funds become available — and that delaying major projects would likely increase long‑term costs. The presentation also noted a phasing plan that anticipates future bond cycles in 2030, 2034 and 2038 to address additional feeder patterns and facilities.

The district said community engagement events were held and more are planned before the July meeting, and that redistricting discussions would occur after phase completion if the bond passes. The board did not vote on Prop O at the June 18 meeting; presenters asked for continued community outreach and public information.