Dragon Strong Update

Mountainburg Public Schools is initiating a strategic plan to address facility needs. To support our students and provide a high-quality learning environment, we are requesting a 3.9-mill increase, which would bring our millage rate to 47.9 mills. This funding would allow us to build a new middle school/ high school cafeteria, providing a modern, warm, safe and dry kitchen and student dining space. Voters will decide on this investment in May 2025, ensuring we can meet both current and future student needs.

Our approach is based on planning and consultation with facilities experts to make informed decisions that address both immediate challenges and long-term needs. We also strive to maximize the state's partnership facilities funding to assist with costs.

The bond proceeds will be used for constructing and equipping a new cafeteria; and constructing, refurbishing, remodeling and equipping other school facilities.

The current cafeteria was built in 1967 with the limited resources available at the time. The cafeteria is 58 years old, with three faulty roofs with frequent and recurring leaks. The space lacks adequate insulation and refrigeration. Systems including roof, foundation, plumbing and HVAC are at or near end-of-life. Facility Conditions Index score is Below Standards and must be brought to standards.

The new cafeteria would be built on the site of the current one. Construction would take place in phases, with the new kitchen and dining space built while the current kitchen is in use, then the old kitchen would be removed. Students would dine in alternate locations temporarily. The new building would reduce space, increasing efficiency and improving the space between the cafeteria, Old Main, and Dragon Gym. Existing space in Middle School would be renovated to provide work space for the Nurse and Food Service Director.

If approved at the May 2025 Election, design, planning, and approval would begin and take approx 6-9 months, with a target goal of bidding in Spring 2026 and construction to begin in summer of 2026.

Our campus consist of several aging facilities from the 1930's to the latest projects including the Safe Room/ Field House project completed in 2018, and the Dragon Gym & Activity Center nearing completion in Summer 2025. MPS has made significant facility improvements. These investments have been funded through tax-payer supported millage, district funds, federal grants, state grants, and cost-savings initiatives, in efforts to ensure our schools remain modern and well-equipped. Recent Projects Include:

Investments from the proceeds from the 2021 millage election:

• New Dragon Gym and Activity Center (2021-2025): Built a new Dragon Gym & Activity Center with seating for 1000+, lobby, concession stand, and restrooms, a performance stage, and a new Band and Choir room; Refurbishment to sub-flooring, extending the life of the old Main Building; New ventilation system and welding stations in the Agri lab; Improvements to drainage, sewer and moisture issues impacting Carl Rogers Gym; Refurbished existing locker rooms.

Improved and increased recreational opportunities for students and the community through health and wellness grants:

• installed walking trails at MMS; Improved basketball court at MHS; Improved elementary playground with walking trail, safe zones, and new equipment; Improved football field at MHS; Improved green space, outdoor seating, and parking at MHS; Improved soccer/football practice space at Elementary.

Improved Safety and Security through state, federal safety grants, partnership projects, and local funds:

• Secured vestibules, Visitor management systems, electronic access on main exterior doors, filming, security cameras, solid interior doors and locked classroom doors, fencing, signage, panic buttons, anonymous reporting tip line, AED's, Bleed Kits, NarCan, training, CSSO teams, and School Law Enforcement Officers.

Transportation Improvements:

• Utilized various grants including ESSR, clean air, charter grant, and safety grant plus student growth funding to purchase 2 new trip buses, 2 used lease route buses, a 14-passenger bus, and a SRO truck to strengthen the fleet.

Building & Program Upgrades:

• Utilized staff labor and OG&E incentive rebates for 90% of the costs to make LED lighting upgrades, painted interior at elementary, portions of MMS and MHS. New classroom furniture in MMS and MHS through donations, ESSR funds, and charter grants.
• Scoreboards for basketball, baseball, and softball through community sponsorships.
• Technology upgrades including presentation equipment, student devices, media and interactive displays for MMS and MHS through charter grants.
• Equipment upgrades for all CTE programs through grants for Food Production, Agri Modernization, Mobile App Development, and Criminal Justice programs of study.

HVAC Systems:

• Utilized ESSR funds to replace HVAC units at MS; COVID relief funds to install HVAC in the current kitchen, and partnership funds plus local required match to install HVAC in the Middle School Gym and Carl Rogers Gym.

Yes, the District is requesting 3.9 new debt service mills through 2055. The new total millage rate will be 47.9 mills.

Yes, the 19.0 existing debt mills are being requested to be extended through 2055, which is 4 years beyond the current commitment.

Millage is calculated on 20% of the assessed property value (not current market value). For example, a homeowner with a property assessment of $100,000 would pay approximately $78.00 more per year (or about $6.50 per month).

NOTE: If the total taxes due on a primary residence are $500 or less, there will be no real estate tax due. Each primary residence tax bill will receive a credit of up to $500 if the credit is applied for. Note: Act 330 of 2025 increased the amount of the tax credit from $500 to $600 effective for the assessment years beginning on or after Jan 1, 2025.

The State average millage rate for school districts is 39.2 mills.

See chart

Millage rate is higher and the value generated by each mill is lower.

Yes. The District was allocated $1,172,564.59 in state facilities partnership funds towards construction.

The District would request an extension for the funds, although approval is not certain. The District could re-apply in future cycles, competing with other districts. State Wealth Index (based on a number of factors and statewide ranking) at the time of approval for this project was 67% of a formula cost per square foot. Our rank in State Wealth Index has decreased 14% points over the past decade, meaning the District will qualify for decreased funds in future projects (approx 58% at present rates).

There will be two public meetings:

• Thursday, May 1 at 6:00
• Tuesday, May 6 at 6:00

Please join us in the MMS/MHS Cafeteria for a Q&A, review and provide input in the preliminary designs, tour the existing cafeteria, and the new Dragon Gym & Activity Center.

If you have questions please contact Will Marion at 479-430-1444 or Dr. Atwell at 479-414-3675

Mountainburg Public Schools is committed to ongoing improvements that enhance student safety, learning environments, and long-term needs. Future projects are all pending availability of funds and include:

• Storm shelter classrooms at Elementary School; District is seeking FEMA funds for 75%/25% funding match
• Campus drainage improvements to reduce flooding and foundation issues
• HVAC and painting projects to refresh appearance and longevity
• Improvements for athletic facilities; The Dragon Foundation, a 501(c)3 has been formed to raise funds for improvements for athletic facilities such as baseball field lights, stadium improvements, etc. For more information contact the office 479-369-2121.

If you live within the Mountainburg School District, you will have the millage proposal on your ballot—regardless of your mailing address or whether you live inside or outside city limits. Some of our patrons may have addresses that list another city, such as Chester, or Mulberry, but as long as your residence falls within the district boundaries, you are eligible to vote in the election.

To confirm your voter registration or check if your address is within the district, you can call the county clerk’s office. Every vote is important in shaping the future of our schools and students!

Early voting will be held at the Alma Community Center May 6-9, and May 12 from 8:00-5:00. Election Day voting will be held at the Alma Community Center and the Mountainburg First Assembly on May 13 from 7:30 to 7:30.

Images are preliminary concept designs and drawings and subject to change during project development.