Ballot Questions

Q: When is the election?
A: Election Day is Tuesday, April 8, 2025

Q: Where do I vote?
A: Your voter card, sent by the County Board of Elections, will provide this information. If you cannot find your card, please contact the Board of Elections:

• Clay County: 816-415-8683

• Clinton County: 816-539-3713

• Platte County: 816-858-4400

If you cannot vote in person on April 8, 2025, you can request an absentee ballot.

Q: What are the No Excuse Absentee voting dates?
A: During the two weeks prior to the election, you may vote a no-excuse absentee ballot in person at a location designated by your local election authority. When voting an absentee ballot in person, you must show an acceptable form of photo ID.

Q: When is the last day to register to vote?
A: The last day to register to vote is Wednesday, March 12, 2025. Click HERE for information on how to register to vote.

Q: What is a Levy Transfer?
A: A levy transfer allows the district to move funds from the debt service fund to the operating fund. This would help provide competitive compensation for employees, ensuring we can attract and retain high-quality faculty and staff, all without changing the current tax rate or impacting debt payments. It's a way to use the resources the community has already provided in a way that most effectively impacts students and staff.

Q: What is the difference between a levy and a bond?
A: Bonds and levies provide schools with funds that must be used for specific purposes.

• Bonds are used for capital improvement projects such as buildings and equipment.

• Levies fund the district’s operating costs, including salaries, benefits, and attracting and retaining staff.

Q: What is the current levy and what would it be if the Levy Transfer passess or fails?
A: The current tax levy in the Smithville School District is $4.7504. This rate will not change, regardless of whether the Levy Transfer passes or fails.

Q: What does it take to pass a levy transfer?
A: A levy transfer must have just above 50% in yes votes (a simple majority).

Q: Why does the district prioritize staff compensation with the levy transfer?
A: Competitive compensation is critical to attracting and retaining high-quality educators and staff, directly impacting the quality of education for students.

Q: What happens if both the levy transfer and bond initiative pass?
A: If both pass, the district can simultaneously address compensation needs and complete capital improvement projects, strengthening the overall quality of education and facilities.

Q: How much is the District's No Tax Rate Increase Bond Initiative asking the community to vote on?
A: The community will vote to approve approximately $18 million in total for capital improvement projects, with no tax rate increase.

Q: What happens if the Bond Initiative doesn't pass?
A: These capital improvement projects will remain priorities but will be delayed or completed gradually as funding becomes available from other sources.

Q: When will the bond projects be completed?
A: If passed, the projects will be completed over the next two years, with timelines varying by project. Safety and facility enhancements will be prioritized first.

Q: What does it take to pass a bond initiative?
A: A Bond Initiative must have just above 57% or 4/7 in yes votes.

Q: Why doesn't the District ask for more bond money to take care of all of the maintenance projects?
A. The state of Missouri limits how much bond money a district can request, which is based on 15% of the assessed property value within the district. This requires the district to divide large maintenance needs over several years, addressing them in phases to stay within this limit.

Q: What would the No Tax Rate Increase Bond Initiative pay for?
A: If passed, the following projects will be completed:

High School Improvements:

• Updates to the entrance of Smithville High School for enhanced safety and functionality.

• Renovations to the hallways at Smithville High School for better flow and functionality.

• Improvements to learning spaces to include innovative space, furniture and equipment in career preparation spaces. These spaces would also be utilized for clubs and activities.

Middle School Improvements:

• Update the Middle School library, restrooms, locker rooms, and other identified spaces.

Playground Improvements:

• Updates to playgrounds district-wide, including all-weather surfaces at all locations.

Softball and Baseball Improvements:

• Upgrades to the district's softball and baseball fields, including turf and additional amenities.

Q: Why were these projects selected?
A: These projects align with the district’s long-term planning and community collaboration. Priorities were identified through:

• 10-Year Master Plan (2020)

• April 2022 Community Forum and Survey

• Strategic Planning Process (2023)

• Collaboration with building leaders and staff

• Student feedback

• October 2024 Community Forum and Survey

Hundreds of Smithville residents gave their input to prioritize the needs of our school buildings and grounds to develop a long-range facility plan. Most of our buildings were constructed between 15-30 years ago. Just like a house, they have needs as they age. Strong schools are not only essential for our students, they are the foundation of strong communities and property values. Smithville's tradition of excellence has been hard-earned over a long period of time. Investment in our schools will keep them strong and protect the quality of life that we enjoy in our community.

Q: What is the cost for each bond project?
A: The costs for each project are approximate and will not be finalized until bids are received. We would have approximately $18 million dollars to spend in total on everything. If bids come in lower, then we can do more with the money. If bids come in higher, then we can do less.

Q: What will the school district do if bids come in higher than anticipated?
A: Contractors submit bids on architectural plans that contain various options that can be added to or deleted from any project. This allows the base project to be completed, regardless of costs going up or down and for the addition of more projects as funding allows.

Q: What steps are taken to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget?
A: The district works with experienced architects, project managers, and contractors to develop detailed plans and timelines. Progress will be monitored closely, and adjustments made as needed.

Q: How will these projects benefit students and staff directly?
A: The projects improve safety, enhance learning environments, and support extracurricular activities, creating a better overall experience for students and staff.

Q: How will the community stay informed about the progress of these projects?
A: The district will provide regular updates through newsletters, board meetings, and the district website, ensuring transparency and accountability for all projects funded by the bond initiative.

Q: How is the tax levy calculated on my property?
A: Taxes are calculated based on the assessed value of your home and personal property, as determined by the county assessor. For example, a home with an assessed value of $100,000 would generate taxes based on that amount, not the market value.

Q: What is the difference between my assessed value and the market value of my property?
A: Market Value: This is the price a realtor might list your home for, or the amount you could expect to sell it for in the current housing market. It reflects market conditions, comparable property sales, and other factors.
Assessed Value: This value is calculated by your county for property tax purposes and is typically lower than the market value. The taxable value is determined by multiplying your property’s assessed value by a specific assessment ratio, which varies based on your property classification: Agricultural: 12%, Residential: 19%, Commercial: 32%.

Q: What is the current levy and what would it be if the Levy Transfer and Bond Initiative passess or fails?
A: The current tax levy in the Smithville School District is $4.7504. This rate will not change, regardless of whether the Levy Transfer or Bond Initiative passes or fails.

Q: How will the levy transfer and bond initiative impact my property taxes?
A: The levy transfer and bond initiative will not change the current tax rate.

Q: How can I be sure the funds will be used as promised?
A: The district follows strict state regulations and yearly financial audits to ensure all funds are spent as approved by voters. Updates on progress and spending will be shared with the community regularly.

Q: What will happen to the tile Warrior head donated by the Class of 1969 if the high school entrance is renovated?
A: The construction crews will make every effort to carefully preserve the tiles.

Q: What will happen to the bell and plaques in front of the building if the high school entrance is renovated?
A: All of these historical items are important to the Smithville School District and would be preserved and relocated.