Seward Voters to Approve $25M School Bond Without Tax Hike

LINCOLN, Neb. — Residents of the Seward School District are preparing to cast their votes on a $25 million bond that will replace the 2010 middle school bond set to expire soon. This new initiative aims to address various infrastructure and facility needs without increasing property taxes.

Seward Schools Superintendent Josh Fields explained during a recent interview that the bond rate will remain at 8 cents, ensuring no tax increase for residents. “Our goal is to have a no tax rate increase,” Fields said. “This bond will effectively replace the previous middle school bond.”

The proposed 25-year bond includes several key improvements. One of the main objectives is to enhance security at both the elementary and high school entrances by relocating offices closer to the main entry points. Additionally, the project will include a new science wing that doubles as a storm shelter.

Fields also highlighted the need for an agricultural barn to house small animals and provide space for FFA (Future Farmers of America) students to conduct lab work. The district is also looking to move CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) classes from the middle school back to the high school, as there is currently no room available at the high school for these programs.

Other planned upgrades include making the music room ADA compliant and repairing the gas lines in the original 1963 science wing. Additionally, the district plans to install air conditioning in the elementary gym and the auxiliary gym at the high school, which have never had air conditioning. “This would be beneficial, especially during the fall and spring when temperatures can get extremely hot,” Fields noted.

Athletic facilities are also on the list of improvements. Fields praised the district’s partnership with Concordia University but acknowledged the challenges of using the university’s facilities more frequently. The district has not hosted a varsity football or track competition at its high school since 2008.

“We have not had stands at our high school facility, and so adding stands and then looking at possibly bringing football back to the high school,” Fields said. “But also being able to have soccer and having soccer under the lights.”

Superintendent Fields emphasized the importance of being cautious with taxpayer funds, distinguishing between “needs” and “wants.” He stressed that the district ensured the previous middle school bond was fully paid before pursuing this new initiative. “We want to make sure that we’re very cautious of what our taxpayers have to pay,” he said. “It’s important to differentiate between a need and a want.”

Fields also recognized the support from the governor and Legislature in providing foundational education aid, which has helped the district maintain an average property tax ask of less than 3% per year over the past decade.

If the bond is approved, architectural design work is expected to be completed within four to six months, with construction anticipated to take approximately two years. Ballots will be mailed the week of Jan. 19, with a deadline of Feb. 10 at 5 p.m.

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