Facts About the USD 251 Bond
Learn about the USD 251 Bond, one fact at a time! These facts are posted to our Facebook page first, so follow us there for the most up-to-date facts and information!
FUN FACT #15: Waiting Can Cost More
Understanding the USD 251 Bond One Fact at a Time
FUN FACT #15: Waiting Can Cost More
Did you know?
Research on school facilities shows that putting off needed maintenance and repairs can lead to higher costs later.
When repairs are delayed, building systems can deteriorate faster, leading to more frequent and more expensive repairs or earlier replacement.
The U.S. Department of Education has reported that deferred maintenance can increase the cost of maintaining school facilities and speed up the deterioration of buildings and equipment.
But this conversation is about more than buildings.
The schools we invest in today will be the schools where tomorrow’s Wildcats learn, grow, make friends, and create memories.
We have the opportunity to be good stewards of what previous generations built for us—and to think about what we want to leave for the students who come after us.
Because building for the future isn’t just about bricks and mortar. It’s about building a place where the next generation of Wildcats can thrive.
As always if you want more information visit https://www.usd251.org/page/usd-251-bond-information
Reach out if you have any questions!
Sources:
U.S. Department of Education — Condition of America’s Public School Facilities
Council of the Great City Schools — The Added Cost of Deferring Maintenance
FUN FACT #14: 100% Graduation Rate!
Understanding the USD 251 Bond One Fact at a Time!
FUN FACT #14: 100% Graduation Rate!
Did you know?
USD 251 had a 100% high school graduation rate in 2024 and received the Kansas State Department of Education’s Graduation Gold Star Award.
Even more impressive, this was the third consecutive year that USD 251 achieved a 100% graduation rate and received the Graduation Gold Award.
The Graduation Gold Star is the highest level of recognition in this category and is awarded to districts with graduation rates at or above 95%.
100% of our students graduating. Three consecutive years of Gold recognition.
That’s something our students, families, staff, and community can be proud of!
Source: USD 251 North Lyon County — 2024 Kansans Can Star Recognition Awards
FUN FACT #13: Investing in Our Future
Understanding the USD 251 Bond One Fact at a Time
FUN FACT #13: Investing in Our Future
Did you know?
The 2025–26 total school mill levies for several nearby districts are:
• USD 251 North Lyon County: 39.01 mills
• USD 243 Lebo-Waverly: 47.45 mills
• USD 253 Emporia: 57.68 mills
• USD 417 Morris County: 58.62 mills
• USD 330 Mission Valley: 61.57 mills
• USD 252 Southern Lyon County: 68.08 mills
Every school district is different. Each has its own community, students, property values, facilities, needs, and financial circumstances. A mill levy cannot tell the entire story of what a district invests in its schools.
What these numbers do show is that USD 251 currently has a lower school mill levy than several surrounding districts.
As we look at the future of USD 251, we have an opportunity to make an investment in our schools and our community.
This isn’t about being like another district. It’s about deciding what is right for USD 251 and investing in the future of our students and community.
You can view more information on the bond at https://www.usd251.org/page/usd-251-bond-information
As always if you have any questions please reach out!
Source: Kansas Statistical Abstract, 2025–26
View the Kansas Statistical Abstract data
FUN FACT #11: Our Wildcats Are Leading the Way!
UNDERSTANDING THE USD 251 BOND — ONE FACT AT A TIME
FUN FACT #11: Our Wildcats Are Leading the Way!
Did you know?
In 2024, USD 251 students had an average ACT composite score of 19.9, compared to the Kansas average of 19.2.
That means our students scored 0.7 points higher than the Kansas average, and USD 251 reported a 2.5-point improvement in its average ACT score.
Even more impressive, when compared with 5 neighboring districts representing 6 area high schools, USD 251 ranked #1 in average ACT composite score.
Our students are showing us that great things are happening inside our schools.
As we look toward the future of USD 251, let’s continue investing in the students, staff, and schools that make our district special.
Strong students. Strong schools. A strong future.
Sources:
USD 251 March 2025 District Newsletter — ACT Data
USD 251 May 2025 District Newsletter — ACT Comparison
FUN FACT #10: A Legacy of Wildcats
Understanding the USD 251 Bond One Fact at a Time!
FUN FACT #10: A Legacy of Wildcats
Did you know?
The National Center for Education Statistics reports that the average age of a public school’s main instructional building is 49 years.
Northern Heights High School opened in 1957, meaning it has been serving Wildcat students for more than six decades.
Generations of Wildcats have walked these halls, learned in these classrooms, made lifelong friendships, celebrated victories, and created memories they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.
Now, we have the opportunity to think beyond the students in our classrooms today.
What kind of schools do we want to leave for the next generation of Wildcats?
The students who walk through our doors 10, 20, 30, or even 50 years from now deserve the same opportunity to learn, grow, and make memories in a place our community can be proud of.
We inherited these schools from generations before us. Now it’s our turn to think about what we leave behind for the generations who come next.
Sources:
National Center for Education Statistics — Condition of Public School Facilities
USD 251 North Lyon County — Northern Heights High School
As always if you have any questions please reach out!
Fact #9: What About Transportation Costs?
Understanding the 251 Bond One Fact at a Time!
Fact #9: What About Transportation Costs?
Did you know? Moving to a single location is not expected to increase transportation costs. In several areas, the district anticipates potential savings.
Here are some of the savings identified by USD 251:
No shuttle between buildings
Approximately $7,400 in savings
($1,600 fuel + $5,800 salaries)
Shorter VOTEC route
Approximately $3,600 in fuel savings
Reduced SPED transportation
Approximately $8,000 in savings
($2,300 fuel + $5,700 salaries)
Reduced activity transportation
Approximately $3,500 in savings
($1,500 fuel + $2,000 salaries)
No staff travel between buildings
Approximately $4,200 in annual savings
Potential Identified Savings: Approximately $26,700 Per Year
The district also notes that it may not reduce the total number of bus routes, meaning some transportation costs could remain similar to what they are today.
The proposed plan looks at how bringing the district together in one location could reduce unnecessary travel, shorten some routes, and eliminate travel between buildings.
To learn more about the bond proposal, visit:
As always, if you have questions, please reach out. We are committed to providing factual information and helping our community make an informed decision this November!
Stay tuned for more facts each day!
Fact #8: What Can Bond Money Be Used For?
Understanding the 251 Bond One Fact at a Time!
Fact #8: What Can Bond Money Be Used For?
Did you know? Money from a school bond cannot be used for everyday operating expenses like teacher salaries.
A school bond is specifically used for long-term projects and facilities, such as:
New school construction
Major renovations and improvements
Athletic facilities
Building systems and infrastructure
Equipment and other items connected to the construction project
The proposed USD 251 bond would provide funding for a new high school adjoining NLC Elementary and a new athletic complex.
Bond funds are different from the district’s operating funds. The purpose of the bond is to provide funding for long-term facility needs—not to pay for the day-to-day costs of educating students.
That’s an important distinction when considering what a school bond does—and doesn’t—pay for.
To learn more about the bond proposal, visit:
https://www.usd251.org/page/usd-251-bond-information
As always, if you have questions, please reach out. We are committed to providing factual information and helping our community make an informed decision this November.
Stay tuned for more facts each day!
Fact #7: Our Students Are Excelling!
Understanding the 251 Bond One Fact at a Time!
Fact #7: Our Students Are Excelling!
Did you know?
USD 251 students are performing above the Kansas average in science, math, and English language arts!
According to the 2024–2025 KSDE Performance Accountability Reports, USD 251 students scoring at Levels 3 & 4 on state assessments achieved:
Science: 62.78%
Kansas Average: 41.44%
21.34 percentage points ABOVE the Kansas average
#1 out of 20 area school districts
English Language Arts: 52.47%
Kansas Average: 44.47%
8.0 percentage points ABOVE the Kansas average
#3 out of 20 area school districts
Math: 43.26%
Kansas Average: 38.73%
4.53 percentage points ABOVE the Kansas average
#8 out of 20 area school districts
That’s something to celebrate!
These numbers represent more than test scores. They represent the hard work of our students, teachers, staff members, families, and community.
And that’s what this bond is really about.
It’s not just about building a building. It’s about building opportunities for the students who walk through those doors today—and building the foundation for future generations who will call USD 251 home.
Our students are already achieving great things. Let’s make sure we are providing them with facilities that support the staff members and learning happening inside them for generations to come.
We aren’t just building for the future—we’re building on the success that’s already happening in USD 251.
Source: Kansas State Department of Education 2024–2025 Performance Accountability Reports, as reported by USD 251.
Stay tuned for more facts each day!