Proposition SAFE

Schools play a central role in the California R-1 community and serve as places where students grow, learn, and develop the skills that help prepare them for the future. School campuses are important community spaces where children build foundational knowledge and experiences that guide their academic and personal development.

Proposition S.A.F.E. is a measure on the spring ballot that addresses funding for student safety, school facilities, and related educational needs. The measure focuses on maintaining and improving school buildings and infrastructure to support safe, functional learning environments for students and staff. It also addresses facility safety, repairs, and long-term planning for school sites.

Proposition S.A.F.E. would provide resources intended to support school facilities and operations over time. The measure acknowledges that schools serve students, teachers, families, and the broader community, and that facility conditions are one factor in supporting educational programs and academic success. This information is provided to help voters understand the purpose and scope of the measure.

The proposal includes roof renovations at the elementary and middle schools. The work would involve replacing existing roofs that have reached the end of their useful lifespan in order to address facility maintenance needs and support continued use of the buildings by students and staff. The existing roofs across the school buildings are approximately 20 to 30 years old. Due to the age and condition of the roofing systems, ongoing repairs and patching efforts are no longer holding up over time.

The proposal includes replacement of HVAC systems at all school buildings. The existing systems are aging and have experienced operational issues. Replacement would address systems that are outdated, no longer meet current efficiency standards, and rely on components that are difficult to repair due to limited availability of replacement parts.

The HVAC systems at the middle school and elementary school are approximately 22 years old. The middle school HVAC system has required multiple shutdowns during the current year to complete repairs related to equipment failures and unavailable parts. In addition, the locker room area currently has a complete failure of both heating and air conditioning systems that are about 26 years old. Replacement of that specific component alone is estimated to exceed $50,000. Due to the age of the systems, many replacement parts are no longer available.

The proposed work is intended to address ongoing maintenance and operational needs related to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning across school facilities.

The proposal includes the installation of new playground equipment at the elementary school. The project would replace existing equipment that is worn or outdated and add additional playground features. The current playground equipment is approximately 20 years old, and replacement parts are no longer available due to its age. The work would address maintenance, safety, and usability of outdoor play areas for student use.

At this time, the preschool playground does not include larger equipment specifically designed for the preschool age group. To better support the developmental needs of our youngest learners, age-appropriate play equipment will be added to the preschool area of the playground. This addition will provide safe, engaging opportunities for gross motor development, social interaction, and imaginative play, ensuring our preschool students have a play space that is both developmentally appropriate and enjoyable.

Did you know California High School offers an elective course called Set Design & Construction?

In this hands-on course, students develop practical skills in measuring, identifying, and safely using hand and power tools. They learn woodworking and construction safety procedures, work with various types and sizes of lumber, and apply painting and finishing techniques. Students also create original designs for sets and props, support Performing Arts Center (CPAC) events, and apply critical thinking skills to solve real-world design and construction challenges.

Beyond our school walls, their impact continues. Students have built community library boxes that invite neighbors to share stories, constructed signage to support local organizations and events, and completed projects requested by the district and community. These experiences teach responsibility, service, and pride — reminding students that their talents have real value and that their work can strengthen the place they call home.

As part of the Proposition SAFE bond proposal, the district is proposing the construction of a workshop and set design building on the California High School campus. This new facility would serve as both a classroom and a workshop, providing a dedicated instructional space for set construction and technical arts.

The CHS Art Department currently offers Art I (three sections), Art II, Art III, Senior Portfolio, Ceramics, Advanced Ceramics, Graphic Design, and Set Design & Construction. While these programs provide diverse creative opportunities, space limitations significantly impact how instruction is delivered — particularly in hands-on, three-dimensional courses.

At present, enrollment in Set Design & Construction is limited to 11 students due largely to the size and constraints of the current workspace. The lack of a dedicated workshop restricts the number of students who can safely participate, limiting broader access to the course. A purpose-built facility would allow the program to expand enrollment, creating opportunities for more students to engage in hands-on learning experiences connected to the performing arts and technical design.

Throughout the year, students produce large-scale projects for CPAC concerts and performances across K–12 grade levels, including fall and spring choral concerts and other school events. The department also supports three-dimensional and specialty projects within Art II, Art III, Senior Portfolio, and Advanced Ceramics, as well as activities connected to the CHS Art Club. However, shared classroom space and limited square footage make it challenging to manage tools, materials, and in-progress projects efficiently and safely.

The proposed workshop would expand instructional capacity by reducing congestion, creating clearly defined work areas, and improving overall safety when using tools and equipment. Additional space would allow projects to remain set up between class periods, eliminating the need for daily teardown and repeated cleanup that currently consumes instructional time. Improved organization of materials and designated work zones would enhance both safety and productivity.

The building would also include dedicated storage for sets and props reused for multiple performances and events. Proper storage would help preserve materials, maintain organization, and free stage-left and backstage wall space within the Performing Arts Center. Relocating construction activities from the auditorium stage to a separate workshop would reduce dust accumulation and minimize repeated cleaning of performance areas.

Finally, expanded space would support larger-scale sculpture and three-dimensional projects that are currently difficult to complete in multi-use classrooms. The facility would also create room for additional potter’s wheels to strengthen Ceramics and Advanced Ceramics offerings and allow for future program growth.

Overall, the proposed workshop and set design classroom would address current enrollment restrictions caused by limited space, improve safety and organization, and provide a dedicated environment to support coursework, performances, and student creativity as outlined in the Proposition SAFE bond proposal.

Another feature included in the Proposition S.A.F.E. bond issue is the expansion of security camera systems in all agricultural facilities, along with the installation of additional cameras in other areas across the district. This project strengthens monitoring capabilities and enhances overall security infrastructure at all school sites.

If approved, bond funding would also extend the SafeDefend security system into newly constructed or renovated areas of district buildings. This ensures that all additions are fully integrated into our existing security network. Additionally, the project would connect the security cameras currently located in the Agriculture Building to the same unified security system used throughout the high school, creating a seamless and centralized monitoring platform.

The SafeDefend system is a biometric-activated, wall-mounted security device designed for rapid response to active threats in schools and other public facilities. When activated using a staff member’s fingerprint, the system immediately alerts law enforcement and emergency personnel while simultaneously notifying district staff and pinpointing the exact location of the activation. This provides first responders with precise location data and enables immediate coordination. During the 2020 bond cycle, remaining funds were allocated toward the purchase of the SafeDefend security system, which was installed during the 2021–2022 school year. SafeDefend boxes are currently installed in every classroom, as well as in hallways, gymnasiums, and office areas, including training units for staff.

Select SafeDefend units also contain non-lethal defense tools and emergency medical supplies. Other units include items such as pepper spray, trauma kits, batons, and other emergency response resources to assist staff in managing critical situations until law enforcement arrives.

Our district takes pride in the enhanced security systems utilized on all campuses. Bond funding will allow the expansion of camera systems along with an extension of the SafeDefend network. These updates will significantly enhance district-wide safety, improve response time, and ensure comprehensive security coverage across all facilities.

The proposal includes installation of new floor tile in identified areas of the elementary and middle schools. The work would replace existing tile that is missing, damaged, or has exceeded its useful lifespan. Much of the existing flooring is more than 50 years old. The project addresses flooring maintenance needs within school facilities.

The proposal includes installation of new flooring in the high school library, media rooms, and band room. The work would replace existing flooring in these areas as part of facility maintenance and upkeep. The project addresses wear and functionality in frequently used instructional spaces.

Most of the classroom furniture currently in use at the high school is original to the building, which opened in 1994. In addition, some teacher desks and chairs date back to the 1980s or earlier. Over the past two years, the school has updated furniture in two classrooms per year, resulting in four classrooms with new furnishings.

The proposed furniture includes student desks designed with dry erase surfaces. These desks allow students to write directly on their workspaces using dry erase markers. The surface can be used for note-taking, problem-solving, brainstorming, and other classroom activities. This feature expands available workspace beyond traditional whiteboards and paper materials.

The updated student furniture is designed to allow for different classroom configurations, supporting whole-group, small-group, and individual instruction. The seating is also intended to provide improved ergonomics compared to older classroom chairs.

The proposal includes updated desks and chairs for teachers. Many current teacher desks and chairs are several decades old. The updated teacher furniture would provide standardized workstations and seating across renovated classrooms.

In addition to classroom updates, the proposal includes replacing cafeteria tables. The cafeteria is used daily by students and staff and serves as a multi-purpose space for meals and school-related activities. The updated tables would replace some original furnishings that have been in use since the building opened.

The proposal includes the development of a dedicated food science laboratory to support FFA and agricultural education programs. This space would be used for hands-on instructional activities related to food science, agriculture, and associated coursework.

The agricultural food science class engages students in a wide range of applied learning experiences, including food preservation (such as canning and dehydrating), food decorating, animal processing, and other food production techniques. Students also conduct food science experiments, such as comparing different oils, studying mold growth, and completing additional laboratory-based investigations.

Historically, this course accommodated approximately 23 students; however, enrollment has been reduced to about 16 students due to current space limitations. The addition of a properly equipped food science lab would allow the program to safely serve more students while expanding instructional opportunities.

The proposed building expansion includes construction of a new gymnasium, a connecting hallway between the high school and agriculture buildings, and additional restroom facilities. This project is designed to address space limitations, improve circulation, enhance student safety, and meet facility needs associated with student use and school-sponsored activities.

The proposal also includes development of a new weight room with updated equipment and a covered turf area. These additions would increase overall capacity and allow multiple groups to use the facilities concurrently. The spaces would support physical education classes, athletic programs, and a wide range of school-sponsored and community activities, including band, cheer, archery, dance, wrestling, Special Olympics, California Rec, and related programs.

Gymnasium and fitness spaces are currently in use seven days per week. On average, the facilities are utilized approximately six hours per day after school, with an estimated three hours used by school programs, two hours by Parks and Recreation, and one hour by community groups. Due to limited space availability, practices are frequently scheduled late into the evening or as early as 6:00 a.m. during the week. These scheduling constraints reflect the high demand for the facilities and the need for additional, flexible space.

The covered design would provide an enclosed connection between the high school, agriculture building, and the new weight room, allowing students to move between instructional and activity spaces without going outdoors. This design improves student safety, accessibility, and supervision while ensuring year-round access to the agriculture facility regardless of weather conditions. As part of the facility reorganization, the existing weight room would be reassigned for use by the wrestling program.

The proposal includes installation of new turf on the football, baseball, and softball fields. The project would replace existing turf surfaces that are worn and approaching the end of their useful lifespan. Current conditions on the baseball and softball fields include areas requiring repeated patch repairs, as well as separating seams and lifting sections of turf.

The football field turf has also experienced separation in multiple locations. The proposed turf replacement would allow for permanent field markings to accommodate multiple sports. The project addresses maintenance, surface condition, and field usability for school athletic programs and other scheduled uses.

Shall the Board of Education of the Moniteau Co. R-I School District, Missouri, without an estimated increase in the current debt service property tax levy, borrow money in the amount of Ten Million Three Hundred Thousand Dollars ($10,300,000) for the purpose of providing funds to repair and/or replace the Elementary School and Middle School roofs; to replace the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems District-wide; to construct, equip, and furnish a new addition to the High School that will connect the existing High School to the Ag building, enhancing the safety and security of students and staff and include, without limitation, a Food Science lab, weight room, auxiliary gymnasium, and turf training facility; to install new Elementary School playground equipment; to construct, equip, and furnish a CPAC set design building; to install new flooring; to purchase new High School furnishings; to replace turf at the High School football and softball/baseball fields; to the extent funds are available, complete other repairs and improvements to the existing facilities of the District; and issue general obligation bonds for the payment

thereof? If this proposition is approved, the adjusted debt service levy of the School District is estimated to remain unchanged at $1.1835 per one hundred dollars of assessed valuation of real and personal property.

General Municipal Election Day is April 7, 2026.
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