In August, the district announced a $10.8 million bond proposal set for a vote on November 18, 2025. There are four projects on this bond: safe rooms for the upper elementary, additional seating and restrooms at the stadium, the renovation of the track facility and the purchase of land to build another elementary school and a new Ag facility.
All of these projects are necessary for the safety of our students while addressing areas of growth for the district.
The bond will also allow the district to stay within its bonding capacity and continue to make facility improvements across the district without raising taxes. Mr. Zack Robinson, senior vice president with BOK and the district’s bond advisor, explained to the board at the August board meeting, the $10.8 million bond would target the same tax rate as recent years, allowing the Newcastle School District to fund these important projects while maintaining taxes at their historical levels.
Since 2022, the District’s Sinking Fund tax rate (for bonds) has averaged around 36 mills, the same target for this bond. He also said this bond would be paid off with the current $79 million bond that was passed in 2022.
I have scheduled two bond informational meetings at the public library at 6 p.m. on October 6, and October 28 for the community to learn more about the bond and ask questions. I am also willing to visit with any group that would like to meet to ask questions.
This bond will be decided on Nov. 18, 2025. It will take everyone getting out to vote to make this happen for our students.
Racer Proud, Dr. Cathy Walker
