November 2024 Bond
Palmer Public Schools
On November 5, our community will decide on urgent facility needs for Palmer Public Schools
Needs of a Growing School
Our facility’s challenges, including overcrowding in our growing district, did not go away when the bond failed in March. Over the summer, the Board of Education and Administration invited all residents to share feedback about the original proposal.
School leaders took the concerns to heart. The plans were scaled back to reduce the cost of the bond while maintaining a focus on academics, critical academic requirements and important safety and security components.
The revised facility plan calls for a bond election in the amount of $12,995,000 that will fund a renovation and addition project at the existing school. The plan includes:
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A new entrance better situated to the parking lot for safety and security
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Four additional classrooms
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An accessible storm shelter located within new locker rooms
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A second gym for PE, indoor recess, practice, and events
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Renovated rooms to provide private spaces for student services
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Improvements to the parking lot, including more paving, to improve water shed issues
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A safe walkway from the preschool to high school
To see what this will look like, visit the PROJECT page.
We are growing!
Our school has grown by 19 percent in the past ten years and we are running out of space! That equates to an extra 50 students in our school since 2014. Enrollment projections show that our district will continue to grow. The last bond issue to fund building updates was done in 1994, and our facility and programming needs have changed over the past 30 years.
It's critical that we add classrooms to accommodate the additional students. Four classrooms will help alleviate overcrowding with some room for future growth. The additional gymnasium serves as an important classroom for physical education in our school. It plays double duty as our auditorium, community events center, school events center and recess space during bad weather.
Are You Registered to Vote?
We appreciate your support of our schools and students.
Every vote counts. If you aren’t registered to vote, we encourage you to register!
It only takes two minutes for your voice to be heard on this important matter for our school, community and students.
Your Voice Matters!
Important Dates
Today
Register to Vote!
Are you registered to vote? Would you like to register?
Check your voter status using the link on the Vote tab and register online today. The last day to register to vote online is Friday, October 11. The last day to register to vote in person at your county election official's office is Friday, October 25.
Tuesday, October 1
Open House at the School from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Tour the school to see the updates that were made over the summer! Learn about the project and visit with the architect, construction manager and bond agent.
Sunday, October 13
Community Presentation at 12:45 p.m.
Listen to a formal presentation about the proposed bond project, visit with school and community leaders about the project, ask questions and learn why this project is important to the future of Palmer and Palmer Public Schools.
Week of October 14
Ballots mailed
For residents of Merrick County, this election will be an election by mail. Ballots will be mailed to registered voters to the address on his or her registration the week of October 14.
October 25
Last day to return your ballot by mail
If mailing your ballot, ensure that your ballot reaches the county election office before November 5. Please mail your sealed Return Identification Envelope and drop in the mail by October 25. No postage is needed to mail a ballot for a general election.
November 5
Election Day!
In Nance and Howard counties, this bond vote will be held in person on November 5. Please vote!
To be counted, all ballots must be returned before 5 p.m. on November 5. Hand deliver the ballot during business hours or put inside the Election Drop Box outside the county election office.