CHICAGO — St. Louis voters will cast ballots Tuesday on a $155 million bond referendum to finance improvements at the city’s public schools.
St. Louis Public Schools would use the bond proceeds to finance much-needed improvements at some of its 74 schools.
They include general maintenance, roof repairs, new windows, improvements to playgrounds and athletic facilities, lead paint removal, science laboratory upgrades, and installation of wiring to support computer use.
“Proposition S funds will be used to improve academic performance of students, ensure a safe and secure environment in all schools, and promote a healthy lifestyle for students,” the district’s website says.
The new borrowing won’t require a tax hike, though an existing levy that is repaying bonds with a final maturity in 2018 would be extended to repay the new debt, which would be retired in 2025. At least 57% of voters need to approve the measure.
Supporters are promoting the referendum as a means to improve schools and create an estimated 3,100 construction-related jobs.
Opponents argue that the ballot language is too vague.
A special administrative board has controlled the district since 2007, when Missouri stripped control from an elected board.
The district in 2003 won $120 million of borrowing authority to retire outstanding debt and raise new money for the installation of air conditioning in schools.
The special board discovered soon after its appointment that some bond proceeds were parked in the bank as the projects stalled.
If the referendum passes, officials said they might establish an oversight panel to make sure bond proceeds are used appropriately and in a timely manner.
Suburban voters face a series of other bond referendum. Among them, St. Peters residents will vote on $40 million of stormwater bonding that would finance the development of a master plan for stormwater management and finance improvements over the next 20 years.
