Where do I return my ballot?
Voted ballots that are sealed in the “Return Identification Envelope” may be returned by one of the following means:
- U.S. Mail: Place postage on the envelope and mail the ballot back in the addressed envelope provided; or
- Hand Delivery (Wayne and Dixon County voters): Deliver the ballot to the County Clerk of Wayne County at 510 Pearl Street, Suite 5, Wayne, Nebraska 68787; or
- Drop Box (Wayne and Dixon County voters): The ballot can also be placed in the drop box on the north side of the Wayne County Courthouse located at 510 Pearl Street, Wayne, Nebraska 68787.
Why keep the junior high students at the 7th – 12th grade building, and not move them back to the elementary school as a 5th – 8th grade middle school?
Much has changed over the past several years in curriculum and requirements. With the 7th and 8th grade students in the same building as the high school, the students have more access to exploratory classes in Ag, Industrial Technology, Family & Consumer Science, Art, Spanish, and Career courses. Because the teachers do not have to leave the building to instruct these junior high exploratory courses, we are able to offer more elective options to high school students. With several mandated requirements in the curriculum for high school including Personal Finance, a Computer Technology course, and an increase in Career and Technical Education requirements, it is essential that we are efficient with teaching staff to maximize their availability to teach in the same classroom all day. Having junior high students in the same building as the high school also allows 8th grade students to accelerate their course work in classes such as Algebra I without having to walk or be transported to and from a different building. This concept allows for a smooth transition to high school, and helps the students set up their high school schedule for career and dual credit options.
Why have 3rd – 6th grade in the current elementary school?
With grades kindergarten through 2nd vacating the current elementary school, there will be more space for grades 3rd through 6th to expand into four sections if necessary. Currently, there are no rooms available for any additional classrooms, and there are no additional spaces for interventions, small group work, meeting areas for staff, and support areas for volunteers and mentors. With the increased amount of classroom spaces, we will be able to have space for these supports for students. This will allow us to have developmentally appropriate expectations for 3rd through 6th grade students that will support a more successful transition to junior high school.
Why have a Pk-2nd grade in one building?
Moving our preschool program closer to the district campus and pairing the program with kindergarten through 2nd grade will provide many benefits to those important early learning years. The new Pk-2nd grade Early Learning Center will allow for better transition for the young children from preschool to kindergarten, as well as developmentally appropriate opportunities for children ages 3-8 to build a strong foundation for learning. There will be improved collaboration between the preschool teachers with the kindergarten through 2nd grade teachers, and there will be more resource support for the preschool aged classes. Safety and security will also be enhanced, including a tornado shelter.
What will we do with the extra rooms at the current elementary building?
The top floor at Wayne Elementary will include four sections of every grade level for 5th and 6th grade. This will allow us to have developmentally appropriate expectations for 5th and 6th grade students that will support a more successful transition to junior high school. The fourth room will be utilized for interventions and as a classroom for Kids Club after school if it is not being used. We will continue to have a special education classroom and our library on the third floor. In addition, we will consider having a sensory room, office for our speech teacher, an office for a school psychologist, and a teacher workroom.
The second floor at Wayne Elementary will include four sections of every grade level for 3rd and 4th grade. This will allow us to have developmentally appropriate expectations for 3rd and 4th grade students that will be different from our upper grade level students. The fourth room will be utilized for interventions and as a classroom for Kids Club after school if it is not being used. We will continue to have a special education classroom and our band/choir room on the second floor. In addition, we will consider having a classroom for our school counselor, teacher workroom, copy room, and a sensory room.
The first floor at Wayne Elementary will include two Title I classrooms, an English Language Learner classroom, a gym, storage rooms, a conference room, nurse’s office, principal’s office, copy room, and main office. In addition, we will consider having a large group meeting room, art room, file room, laundry room, teacher’s lounge, Heartland Counseling Office, Teammates meeting room, Backpack Program room, and Kids Club Classrooms.
What are the consequences if the bond doesn’t pass?
If the bond referendum does not pass, the district would need to consider additional space for classrooms in modular buildings. We are currently using all classroom spaces available. During the 2022-23 school year, we have had 66 new students since the start of the school year. With new apartments and housing becoming more available in Wayne, we are anticipating this growth to continue. With the current K-6th grade elementary school being at or above capacity currently, we will not be able to absorb more students than we currently have. Current costs to rent modular buildings is $100,000-$120,000 annually, and purchasing a modular building would not be cost efficient. We would also need to continue to lease the current Early Learning Center at a cost of $60,000 per year.
There will not be enough classrooms for junior high students within two years which could result in the addition of modular buildings at the Jr/Sr High School. We also would not be able to expand course offerings for 9th-12th grade students, especially in Ag, Career and Technical Education, and Art.
What’s the plan for staffing the additional classrooms, like art in the ELC?
If the bond passes, the administration and school board will begin the process of looking at staffing positions to ensure we continue to offer a quality education to all students. If there is a need for an additional section of an elementary grade level, we would hire a teacher. We will also consider all extra offerings such as art and career and technical education. We will look at the district as a whole to make sure we have sufficient staff; including cooks, secretaries, janitors and maintenance staff, and paraprofessionals.
Why was the location of the ELC chosen and how much will the ELC cost?
The proposed site allows for expansion and easy access to playground and green play areas. It expands our campus to help with congestion, and keeps the traffic of high school drivers away from the younger students. The original location, where our current maintenance buildings are, would require those buildings to have to be relocated and did not allow sufficient space for a playground and parking. The location of the old elementary school, which was also considered, provides much needed parking for events at the Kern Track, and overflow parking for large events at the Jr/Sr High school. The cost of the Pk-2nd grade building is approximately half of the entire project.
Are we doing enough now to accommodate the projected enrollment growth?
We feel confident that we are building a sufficient amount of additional classrooms to accommodate the projected enrollment growth. It is a balance to build enough space, without making the project too large. We are also aware of the implications of the tax levy this project will have, and we want to be responsible with taxpayer dollars and not build more than we need.
What’s the life of the current facilities?
The current Jr/Sr High School was originally built in 1967, with the junior high addition in 2012. The current elementary building was initially constructed in 1910, however there was a full remodel in 2000. The current facilities are in good shape, and besides regular and deferred maintenance, we do not anticipate major repairs, code, or ADA issues. The current facilities are in good condition to last for the foreseeable future, including the 25 years of the new bond.
How much is left on the previous bond(s)?
The General Obligation Bonds have a final maturity of 12/15/24 and the Limited Tax Bonds have a final maturity of 12/15/25. The General Obligation bonds have principal outstanding of $725,000 and the Limited Tax Bonds have $1,270,000 outstanding. The District levied approximately 8 cents for the repayment of these bonds for the 2022-23 School Year.
Are there any projected issues with the parking/congestion with the highway?
Access to the new facility will be from the highway. We believe the length of the driveway that leads to the Community Activity Center and the proposed PK-2 building is long enough to avoid congestion and support traffic flow. The driveway will need to be one way during drop-off and pick-up times as there is a one way exit to east 5th Street. If the bond passes, we will look closer at traffic flow to make sure it is safe for drivers, buses, and students and staff.
What happens when the assessed value of land goes up year after year? Does the bond price increase?
As the assessed value of the District increases, the levy will decrease. If the valuation increases by 10% then the bond levy will decrease by 10%. The dollar amount of the bond is not to exceed $27,945,000, and the school district cannot spend more dollars than the public approves.
Where is the wrestling room being relocated to?
There would be an addition to the current strength and fitness room that is located just south of the high school. The wrestling area would be 4,600 square feet, which is larger than our current wrestling room, and would be directly adjacent to the weight room. There would be one entrance for the facility, along with a restroom and storage room.
Will the wrestling room have plumbing facilities for showering after practice?
The wrestling room will not have shower accommodations. There will be restrooms and a water fountain installed, and the door on the south side of the high school is close to the locker room areas for showering.
What are we doing about security?
There are elements for building security included for all three district buildings. The new PK-2 would be constructed with all current security components including security cameras and controlled access. The Jr/Sr Senior High and the current Elementary School (would be for grades 3rd-6th), would have security upgrades to their current systems.
What if I’m away from home after the ballots get mailed out?
Registered voters wishing to vote in the Special Election who will be absent from their residences, wish to pick up their ballot at the Wayne County Courthouse, or prefer to vote at the courthouse may do so between February 13, 2023 and February 17, 2023.
What is the number of “opted in” students in each of the school buildings at the current time?
Currently there are 33 students who option into the Elementary School, and 44 students who option into the Jr/Sr High School. The district receives approximately $10,000 per net option enrollment student, if the net option number is positive. If the net option number is negative, we do not receive any funds, and are not penalized. For the 2022-23 school year, the district receives $160,000 for our positive net option enrollment.
How many years will it take to pay off the bond?
The proposed bonds are for 25 years. Every five years, the board may consider refinancing the bonds dependent on interest rates. Our financial consultants from Piper-Sandler will monitor this for the school district and will recommend refinancing if it is helpful in reducing our payments.
How does the land purchase of the CAC work?
The school district and City of Wayne executed a Memorandum of Understanding that if the bond election passes, the property to the west of the Community Activity Center, including the lower parking lot and the land would be transitioned back to ownership by the school district.
Why at the CAC vs where the old elementary?
The old elementary school area provides excellent parking for events at the Kern Track, and overflow parking for large events at the Jr/Sr High School. Having the Early Learning Center at the location to the west of the Community Activity Center would provide for more efficient and safer traffic flow, and traffic would not be as congested. This location would keep the youngest of our students away from traffic before and after school, as we experience many high school drivers and parents in vehicles at the start of school and dismissal.
- Building on the south side of Jr. Sr. High School would also require relocation of existing district maintenance sheds.
- The total area available to build south of the Jr. Sr. High is also subdivided by W 5th street.
- When considering construction of a facility for Pre-K to 2nd grade, Life Safety code requires PreK and K to be on the ground floor. 1st grade can only go one level above the ground floor and must have a dedicated stair for use by only the 1st grade classrooms. Multi-story buildings are not ideal for children in these age groups.
Why aren’t we doing more? Starting from scratch with new facilities at a new location for PK-12, gym?
The school district has maintained our current facilities well. Outside of daily and deferred maintenance needs that are on-going, our facilities are in good shape and meet important code and accessibility requirements. A brand new facility on a new site would require the district to purchase land and develop the land with infra-structure needs. The cost of doing this would be very high. It is also advantageous for the City of Wayne to have the school district location in city limits. This provides access for students who live in town, allows the school and city to work in partnership on initiatives, and provides city funding with sales tax when events occur that draws people from other communities.
Can you vote if you have land in the district but don’t live in the district?
No. Only residents of Wayne within the school district boundaries will receive ballots.
Can you vote if your student is an option enrolled student?
No. Only residents of Wayne within the school district boundaries will receive ballots.
Is the activity center included in the land purchase?
No. There is no funding included in the proposed bonds for land acquisition, including the Community Activity Center.
How will students drop off/pick up work?
There are many procedural things such as drop off and pick-up that will need to be discussed and decided if the bond passes. We will always consider the safety of students and staff, and will coordinate the busing with our bus company so we are prepared when the school building opens. We do believe the traffic flow with the Early Learning Center at the new location west of the Activity Center will provide a more smooth and efficient manner for drop off and pick-up of students.
What is a bond?
A bond is similar to a home mortgage. It is a contract to repay borrowed money with interest over time. Bonds are sold by a school district to competing lenders to raise funds to pay for the costs of construction, renovations and equipment. Most school districts in Nebraska utilize bonds to finance renovations and new facilities.
How can bond funds be used?
Bond funds can be used to pay for new buildings, additions and renovations to existing facilities, land acquisition, technology infrastructure and equipment for new or existing buildings. Bonds cannot be used for salaries or operating costs such as utility bills, supplies, building maintenance, fuel and insurance.
What is a bond election?
School districts are required by state law to ask voters for permission to sell bonds to investors in order to raise the capital dollars required for projects such as renovation to existing buildings or building a new school. Essentially, the voters are giving permission for the District to take out a loan and pay that loan back over an extended period of time, much like a family takes out a mortgage loan for their home. A school board calls a bond election so voters can decide whether or not they want to pay for proposed facility projects.
How much is the proposed proposition?
The Wayne School Board called a bond election in the amount of $27,945,000 to be brought before voters on March 14, 2023.
Who is eligible to vote in this election?
Any registered voter who resides within the Wayne and Dixon County school district boundaries.
Can I still register to vote in this election?
The deadline for in-person voter registration is March 3, 2023 at 6pm. If you are not registered to vote by this deadline, then you are not eligible to vote in this election. The Registration Application can be found online here.
How do I vote?
This election will be an election by mail. Each registered voter residing within the District will receive a ballot by mail at his/her address as it appears on the voter registration register; and therefore, no polling places will be open for voting. Ballots will be mailed by the Election Commissioner of Wayne County on February 21, 2023.
Why is it necessary to invest in our facilities?
We are proud of what we have already accomplished within our school district and the resulting success of our students. In order to continue serving present and future students, we need to provide them with an innovative, safe, and updated learning environment. We have no doubt this investment will have a positive impact on the Wayne and surrounding communities, as young students feel valued throughout their education and return here to live, work, and raise families.
Wayne Community Schools Bond 