Grace Advertising & Consulting, Inc.

Heidi Koger Proofreader Janet Buie Freelance Writer Shayna Heathman Editorial Intern Marjorie Langas Graphics and Layout Margaret Phillips Developer/Programmer Tempest Wright Intern Tonia Wright Publisher, Editor-in-Chief Tell us how we're doing online or on Facebook. The Buckner Clarion is published by Grace Advertising & Consulting, Inc. 325 Broadway Lexington, Mo. 64067 660.259.3700 or 866.824.1020 (press 0) A special thank you to our advertisers and sponsors in this issue: Alderman Darrel Box Buckner Pharmacy Firm Insurance Group, Inc. Grace Advertising & Consulting, Inc. HCC of Rural Missouri Live Well Community Health Center - Buckner Red Cross Pharmacy 2 | TheBucknerClarion.com April 2017 TheBucknerClarion.com On April 4 voters in the Fort Osage School District will be asked to consider two important questions. Question 1 is a no tax increase bond issue and Question 2 is a 67 cent operating levy increase. Question 1 addresses the most immediate needs for the school district. The $11,370,000 no tax increase bond issue would allow the district to: ● Construct a new Early Childhood Center adjacent to Elm Grove Elementary School ● Make improvements to the District stadium including construction of a new eight-lane track, synthetic field turf, visitor restrooms, as well as upgrades to the existing restrooms, concession stand and bleachers ● Upgrade playgrounds at all elementary schools, Fire Prairie, and Lewis & Clark ● Make safety and security improvements at Fort Osage High School ● Make roof improvements at Blue Hills, Fire Prairie, and the District warehouse ● Replace the 45-year-old District warehouse freezers Question 2 asks voters for a 67 cent operating levy increase which would generate $1,825,000 annually. Fort Osage has lost over $23 million in state and local funding since 2010. During that same time, Fort Osage has made over $19 million in budget reductions. These reductions include staff, supply budgets and transportation routes/stops. Revenue generated from the operating levy increase would be used to: ● Maintain high-quality educational programming ● Maintain appropriate class size ● Recruit and retain high-quality staff ● Meet each student's needs "Both issues are equally important for the students, staff, and community of the District. Question 1 addresses several safety and space concerns through facility improvements while Question 2 allows the District to retain quality staff and maintain our successful programs. If these issues do not pass there will be difficult decision made that will negatively impact our schools," said Dr. Jason Snodgrass, Superintendent of Schools. To learn additional information you can visit the school website at www.fortosage.net, email Stephanie Smith at ssmith@fortosage.net or call 816.650.7019. Vote on April 4

• Cover