Investing in the Future of Burlington Schools
USD 244 School Bond
After months of thoughtful planning, the USD 244 School Board has crafted a school bond proposal to build a new elementary school, designed to provide modern, safe, and efficient learning spaces for our students.
By investing in a new school, we are not only addressing current challenges but also planning for the future—ensuring our students and community thrive for generations to come.
In a special election on May 6th voters will be asked to consider the following question for improving USD 244 facilities:
Question: Shall we approve a school bond issue in the amount not to exceed $45 million?
Why is the school bond project needed?
Education is constantly evolving, but much of our elementary school has remained unchanged since the 1980s, making it difficult to support modern learning. While the first-grade wing was renovated in 2020, the rest of the building lacks the updates needed for today’s inclusion models, innovative teaching methods, and new technologies. The proposed project would construct a new elementary school near the middle and high schools, creating a unified campus that enhances collaboration, improves efficiency, and gives students better access to resources. This investment addresses current challenges while building a stronger foundation for future generations.
Why Now?
There’s never an ideal time to seek funding for capital improvements, but the need is clear. Today’s classrooms require more technology and additional support staff to meet the diverse needs of students—needs that have evolved significantly since the building was originally constructed. A new elementary school would provide the necessary space to accommodate these changes and support student success. With rising construction costs and growing maintenance challenges, now is the time to invest in our students' future.
Proposed Solution
Developed in partnership with GMCN Architects, this proposal is designed to position our district for future growth while creating a modern, functional learning environment for students and staff. While renovation is an option, it does not address long-term needs. A new facility would offer a lasting solution, ensuring our school is equipped for future generations.
The proposed upgrades will:
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Create a Unified Campus – A new Burlington Elementary School (BES) will be built near BHS and BMS, bringing all schools within half a mile
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Expand Early Childhood Education – Adding Burlington Early Learning Center (BELC) classrooms within the new elementary school, serving children from birth to age 5 alongside Pre-K–5th grade.
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Provide Modern Learning Spaces – Equipping classrooms with updated technology and resources to support today’s educational needs.
Anticipated Taxes for $45,000,000 Budget
The project involves a $45 million bond to be financed over a 15-year period, funded through a 7.2-mill increase to the current property tax rate. See below for examples of how this would impact monthly expenses.
Average tax increase on $100,000 home
$6.90/month
$15.00/month
Average tax increase on $100,000 commercial property.
Average tax increase on 160 acres grass crop land
$3.28/month
$7.72/month
Average tax increase on 160 acres dry crop land