Special shoutouts:
Natali competed in Introduction to Public Speaking in the preliminary round on Sunday and advanced to the finals on Monday. Final results place her in the top 15 in the state!
Matthew competed in Personal Finance.
Sophie competed in Introduction to Parliamentary Procedure.
We’re so proud of all five students for their hard work and dedication. Please join us in congratulating them!
HS Athletic Banquet is Friday, May 8, at 6 p.m. Please RSVP by April 23rd if you will be attending.
$25 sent to Mrs. McCurdy at school reserves your copy!
Reserve NOW because copies are limited, and if you don’t reserve one, you may not get one later!
We’re proud to celebrate Kaiden Erdel, who is signing with Iron Eagle Welding, and Kyler Swaim, who is signing with the Carpenters Union.
As we approach the April 7th election, Community R-VI is committed to transparency regarding the specific projects funded by the proposed no-tax increase bond. While the bond covers several district needs, two of the most critical areas involve our climate control systems and essential food service infrastructure.
1. HVAC System Replacement
Our learning environment is directly impacted by the air quality and temperature within our classrooms. Currently, several of our HVAC units are reaching the end of their functional lifespan. They are becoming increasingly unreliable, leading to frequent repairs and inconsistent temperatures.
The Plan: This bond allows us to replace 9 of our oldest, least efficient units.
The Benefit: By moving to a planned rotational replacement schedule, we reduce emergency maintenance costs and improve energy efficiency, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used more effectively in the long run.
2. Outdoor Freezer & Infrastructure
The reliability of our food service department depends on functional equipment. Our current outdoor freezer has served the district well but now requires a full replacement to ensure food safety and storage capacity for our student meal programs.
The Plan: We will be replacing the outdoor freezer unit and, crucially, repairing the surrounding concrete pad.
The Benefit: Our current freezer is at the end of its life. It must be replaced. Proper support from a repaired pad ensures the long-term functionality of the new unit, preventing shifting or structural damage that could lead to premature equipment failure.
Understanding the Financial Impact
Currently, the district’s tax rate for bond repayment is set at 55 cents per $100 of assessed value. It is important to understand that this rate will not change regardless of the outcome of this election:
If the bond passes: The rate remains at 55 cents, and the funds are used to complete these necessary repairs. In other words, if you own a car you could sell for $10000 you will pay about $18 in taxes on the car to support the old bond and the new bond combined.
If the bond does not pass: The rate remains at 55 cents, and the funds continue to pay down existing debt. In other words, if you own a car you could sell for $10000 you will still pay about $18 in taxes on the car to support just the old bond.
In either scenario, no new taxes will be created. This measure simply allows the district to address these pressing facility needs using the existing tax structure.
Join the Conversation
We thank those that came on the 25th to hear about the good things this bond will do for our district. Thank you for bringing your questions and helping us to clarify the purpose of these funds.
If you have questions before the 7th, please reach out to us at charter@cr6.net or call the school office at (855) 708-7567. We appreciate your continued support of Community R-VI.
Proposition KIDS: A Detailed Breakdown of Our Facility Planning
We have received several excellent questions regarding the costs and origins of the needs listed in the upcoming bond issue. Transparency is our priority, and we want to ensure every voter understands the professional research and "second opinions" that led to these numbers.
Expert-Led Planning & Audits
Last year, we conducted a comprehensive facilities audit through Hutchinson Engineering Incorporated (HEI), which collaborated with specialized experts to ensure our data was accurate:
J-Squared Engineering: Provided an in-depth look at our HVAC systems. Their recommendations centered on ways to effectively save the district money and be proactive in our HVAC solutions.
Coryell Roofing: Evaluated roof water management, specifically identifying troublesome drainage areas around the Ag classroom.
HEI: Acted as the lead architect and engineering firm that looked at each of these projects to provide comprehensive oversight throughout the study.
Performance Services Incorporated (PSI): After HEI completed the planning study, they reached out to PSI for a second opinion on these estimates before moving forward and presenting our list of needs.
The "Big Five" Priority Projects ($1.1M Subtotal)
These five areas were identified as the most critical to complete:
HVAC Modernization ($242,000): Based on the planning study, we are moving to a rotation-based replacement of units using bond funds, rather than waiting for the entire system to fail at once. This covers the replacement of 9 units and the installation of a new control system.
Playground ADA Compliance ($450,000): While we are adding some new equipment, the majority of this cost is for regrading and leveling the entire area and installing a poured surface to meet federal ADA compliance standards.
Circle Drive & Walkway ($250,000): This project encompasses a significant volume of concrete repair and replacement for the front walkway and drive to ensure safety and long-term durability.
Cold Storage Overhaul ($100,000): Originally estimated at $350,000 for a major outdoor overhaul, we scaled the project down to focus only on replacing the freezer, building a loading ramp, and repairing the concrete pad, saving the district $250,000 and addressing other critical needs.
Ag Entrance Drainage ($65,000): To prevent water damage, we will regrade the entrance, install roof drainage, add an awning to divert water away from the door, and concrete the entryway to ensure proper runoff.
Additional Essential Needs ($525,000 Subtotal)
Beyond the "Big Five," the bond addresses four other critical areas for school operations:
Safety & Security Upgrades ($185,000): These upgrades to our door systems and security are mandated under the passing of Senate Bill 68 last year.
Transportation ($165,000): To maintain a reliable fleet, we have included the purchase of one new bus. While our current fleet is solid, buses age and must be replaced on a cycle to ensure student safety.
ADA Egress - Old Gym ($90,000): Specific funding to bring the outside fire exit points of the Old Gym into full ADA compliance.
Restroom Overhauls ($85,000): A necessary update to several facilities, including the replacement of aging sinks, urinals, and toilets.
Fiscal Responsibility: The Total Investment
For our no-tax-rate-increase measure, Proposition KIDS, we are looking to procure $1.625 million to do this work. Our professional price estimates for the combined projects come in at nearly $1.625 million. We are committed to using these funds precisely as outlined to address these documented needs.
We thank you for your support and hope this clarifies where your money will be spent and the good stewardship we intend to have with the money our public worked hard for. If you have any questions, I am always happy to talk. Our number at school is 855-708-7567. If you would rather email, my email is charter@cr6.net.
Join us for a public forum and playground tour on Wednesday, March 25, at 6:30 PM. This is your chance to learn more and ask questions about the No-Tax-Increase bond issue that will be on the ballot on April 7, 2026.
Investing in Our Future: The Playground Renovation Project
Proposition KIDS: A No-Tax-Increase Bond | Election Day: April 7th
At the heart of our Proposition KIDS project list is a critical need to modernize the Community R-VI playground. This project is more than a simple upgrade; it is a commitment to safety, accessibility, and the long-term well-being of our students. The goal is to transform the current facility into a space where every child—regardless of physical ability—can play safely.
The Challenge: Breaking Down Barriers
Our current facility faces significant hurdles that hinder student play and fail to meet modern standards:
Inaccessible Surfaces: The current pea gravel surface creates a physical barrier for students with mobility needs and does not meet ADA compliance.
Hazardous Entryways: Uneven pavement and narrow openings create bottlenecks and tripping hazards for students entering the play area.
Aging Infrastructure: Much of our current equipment is beginning to wear, break, and pose safety risks.
The Solution: A Playground for Every Student
By utilizing funds from the April 7th bond, we will directly address these issues by:
Installing ADA-Compliant Surfacing: Replacing pea gravel with a smooth, inclusive surface that allows all students to play together.
Creating Level Access: We will level the transition from the school building to the playground and install pathways to provide total accessibility to every area of the playspace.
Replacing Equipment: We will retire dangerous, aging structures and introduce modern, ADA-compliant equipment designed for safe, inclusive play.
Why This Matters to Community R-VI
The impact of this renovation spans generations. Statistics show that:
Daily Usage: Nearly 50% of our current student body uses this playground every single day.
Long-Term Impact: Roughly 65% of our future graduates begin their journey in our elementary school. This means a majority of our students will spend half of their K-12 career utilizing this facility.
The Right Thing to Do
Bringing our playground up to current moral and statutory standards ensures that no student is left on the sidelines. We have a responsibility to provide a facility that is safe and accessible for every child who attends Community R-VI now and in the years to come.
We will have a public forum and playground tour on March 25, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at Community R-VI School. This will be an opportunity to ask questions and see firsthand some of the needs described.
If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Harter at charter@cr6.net or call the school at 855-708-7567.
Hailey Schmidt and Kayleigh Rosol performed vocal solos at the District Music Contest in Mexico on Saturday, March 14. Kayleigh received a Satisfactory rating. Hailey received an Exemplary rating and will compete in the upcoming State Contest in Columbia. Congratulations!
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Image: Hailey Schmidt and Kayleigh Rosol, who performed vocal solos at the District Music Contest in Mexico on March 14, stand smiling in front of a gray wall.
