School District Hosts Open House for Proposition Lewis

*Communications Director Mark Bullimore leads discussion on Proposition Lewis during an Open House. Photo Courtney Cole*

For the last three years the Excelsior Springs School District has been busy making renovations and building a new elementary for the growing community. They were always upfront about the need to come back to the voters in order to complete Phase 2, which encompasses building a new Lewis Elementary. Now that the work on the other schools have been completed on time, the district is coming back to the voters asking for a no tax rate increase school levy transfer. On March 1, 2023, the district opened the doors to the building that is now an elementary school, to give the public an opportunity to learn more about the campaign to replace it and allow citizens to ask any questions they may have.

To an audience of approximately 50, ESSD Communications Director Mark Bullimore led the discussion, giving a summary of the projects that have come before and what is needed now. He explained that monies that are already being collected in one fund are needing the public’s permission to be moved allowing them to use those funds for the new building. On the District’s website about the proposition, it states: “Proposition Lewis is the next phase of our carefully planned Long Range Facilities Plan that will provide a new Lewis Elementary for our community, our staff, and most importantly, our students. Proposition Lewis is a NO TAX RATE INCREASE Levy Transfer on the April 4th ballot that, if approved by voters, will allow the district to transfer .70 from our debt services fund into our operating fund. This transfer will provide the operating funds needed to build a new Lewis Elementary, at no additional cost to our taxpayers.”

Updates to expect will be to have a cafeteria and gym that are attached to each other, and like Cornerstone, the gym will also be tornado safe. It came as a relief to hear that the beloved tiger hand-painted on the wall in the gym will be memorialized in the new school, possibly hanging as a banner. The hand-painted tiles that for years have been collected in the hallways will be photographed, but are not something that can be saved. The colors and materials chosen for the exterior of the school will be similar to the other buildings updates, but warmer, richer tones have been included, inspired by the downtown’s Historic Elms District. There are even plans to include some materials from the old school into the new one.

Safety concerns with Cornerstone are being addressed in Lewis’ design, modifying the classrooms to not use as many windows, but keeping the same functionality in place. Windows will be added to the administrator’s offices so they can see people approaching the school. They talked about using flexible furniture, taking cubbies out of the classroom, and even a play area under the stairs. Like Cornerstone, elements of natural light and creating a more open space through the design is planned.

*Former teacher Candy Teegarden discusses the new design with Mark Bullimore. Photo Courtney Cole*

After the presentation the public had the opportunity to take a trip across town, bus transportation included, in order to tour Cornerstone, to better envision what the new Lewis space may be. The district has published a webpage on their website with details regarding the campaign and there is also a campaign of support from the Friends of ESSD.