Shawnee Mission School District (SMSD) officials announced Tuesday that the Board of Education has placed a $370 million bond measure on the district’s 2027 ballot. The proposal, which does not raise property taxes, is designed to fund a series of facility enhancements across the district’s 34 elementary schools, five middle schools, five high schools and several educational centers.
Board vote and ballot timeline
On Nov. 9, the board voted unanimously to move the bond question forward. Mail‑in ballots will be mailed to registered SMSD voters in early February and must be returned by noon on March 2. The district encourages residents to review the proposal at upcoming open‑house events, which begin in January.
Proposed improvements
The bond, developed by two Strategic Plan Action Teams (6.1.1 and 6.1.2), includes:
- Renovations and modernizations of existing school facilities
- Upgrades to technology infrastructure and classroom equipment
- Construction of a new early‑childhood center slated to open in fall 2027
- Energy‑efficiency projects to reduce operating costs
- Safety and security enhancements throughout the district
More details are available at bond.smsd.org.
Community outreach
To keep families informed, SMSD will host a series of open‑house meetings at schools throughout the district. Sessions run from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on the following dates:
- Tue, Jan 12 – SM North High School
- Tue, Jan 19 – Indian Hills Middle School
- Wed, Jan 20 – SM Northwest High School
- Tue, Jan 26 – Westridge Middle School
- Mon, Feb 1 – SM West High School
- Tue, Feb 2 – Indian Woods Middle School
- Tue, Feb 9 – Hocker Grove Middle School
- Wed, Feb 10 – SM East High School
- Tue, Feb 16 – Trailridge Middle School
- Wed, Feb 24 – SM South High School
These meetings give residents a chance to ask questions, view project plans and hear directly from Superintendent Dr. Michael Schumacher and board members.
Background and past successes
In 2021, SMSD voters approved a bond that funded the rebuilding of five elementary schools and added a new early‑childhood center. All projects were completed on schedule, and the district was able to leverage careful planning to stretch funds further, delivering a modern learning environment for thousands of students.
Superintendent Schumacher emphasized the broader impact of strong public schools: “Our schools support property values and keep our neighborhoods vibrant. This bond will allow us to continue building tomorrow together for our students and families.”
American Education Week celebration
From Nov. 16‑20, SMSD will recognize American Education Week with a series of events and social‑media highlights. The district invites community members to thank teachers, staff and volunteers who contribute to the district’s success.
About Shawnee Mission School District
SMSD is the third‑largest district in Kansas, serving pre‑K through 12th grade across 14 cities in northeast Johnson County, about 10 miles from downtown Kansas City, Missouri. The district consistently ranks among the nation’s top performers, emphasizing personalized learning plans that prepare students for college, careers and life‑long success.
For additional information, visit www.smsd.org or follow the district on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, TikTok and YouTube.
Original reporting: Johnson County Post (Overland Park) — read the source article.
