NEWTON, Kan. — USD 373 Newton Public Schools will ask voters on March 3, 2026, to approve a $50 million facilities improvement bond aimed at addressing aging infrastructure, safety upgrades and storm shelter needs across the district.
District officials said the proposed bond targets end-of-life roofing and HVAC systems, along with security improvements such as code-compliant storm shelters. Plans call for hardening existing shelters at elementary schools and constructing multiuse spaces at Cooper Early Education Center, Chisholm Middle School and Newton High School that would also serve as storm shelters while meeting other campus needs.
The proposal follows a facilities assessment and nearly yearlong planning process conducted with outside firm RSP and a committee of school and community representatives…