Gordon-Rushville Public Schools

GRbond.org

Question on the Nov. 3 General Election Ballot

Gordon-Rushville Schools Bond:

What Voters Are Being Asked to Decide

On November 3, registered voters in the Gordon-Rushville Public Schools district will find a question on their general election ballot that has been more than three years in the making.

The question is whether to authorize the district to issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $24,850,000 to fund significant construction at two of its school campuses: an elementary addition connected to Gordon-Rushville Middle School in Rushville and an addition to and renovations at Gordon-Rushville High School in Gordon.

If approved, the bonds would be repaid through a property-tax levy on taxable property within the district. The district’s current financing estimates assume a 25-year repayment schedule.

This is the first in a six-part informational series to help voters understand the measure — what it would fund, why the district says it's needed, what it would cost, and what community members are asking. The series will continue through the October 28 issue.

What Voters Are Being Asked to Decide

The ballot question asks voters to authorize Gordon-Rushville Public Schools to issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $24,850,000. A majority of votes cast must be in favor for the measure to pass.

In plain terms, a FOR vote authorizes the district to issue bonds totaling up to $24.85 million to pay for construction work at the Gordon high school campus and the Rushville middle school campus. A vote AGAINST means the district would not be authorized to issue the bonds.

The bond amount is a ceiling; the district cannot issue more than $24,850,000, and it would not be required to issue the full amount.

What the Money Would Fund

If approved, the bond would fund two projects:

At the high school in Gordon, the original three-story building — constructed approximately 100 years ago — would be demolished and replaced with a new addition. The new space would include modern classrooms, administrative offices, a cafeteria and commons area, and support spaces. The project also includes safety and security upgrades, a new secure entrance, and renovations to create a new weight room, wrestling room, and updated locker rooms.

In Rushville, a new elementary school addition would be built directly attached to the Gordon-Rushville Middle School. Elementary students and their programs — currently housed in the separate Rushville Elementary building across the street — would move into the new building. No Rushville elementary programs would be eliminated. The project also includes minor renovations to the existing middle school. The current Rushville Elementary building would be listed for sale.

Superintendent Nathan Livingston said both communities retain a school under the proposal.

"The proposal addresses facilities in both communities. In Gordon, it would replace the original high school building and renovate existing spaces. In Rushville, it would create a connected elementary and middle school campus while keeping both middle school and elementary education in the community."

— Nathan Livingston, Superintendent, Gordon-Rushville Public Schools

What It Would Cost Taxpayers

The district estimates the bond would increase property taxes by 16.2 cents per $100 of assessed valuation. For a home assessed at $100,000 — near the median home value in both Gordon and Rushville — that represents an additional $162 per year, or approximately $13.50 per month.

Agricultural landowners would see different impacts based on land type and county. A future article will cover a full breakdown of per-acre costs for irrigated, dryland, and grassland in both Sheridan and Cherry counties. It will also explain Nebraska’s LB2, under which agricultural and horticultural land is valued at 50% of its actual or special value for taxes used to repay voter-approved school bonds, rather than the 75% generally used for other property-tax purposes.

The bond is structured as a 25-year term. Depending on the final bond terms and future market conditions, the district may have opportunities to refinance the debt or retire it early. All work will be put out for competitive bid; the district is not required to spend the full $24,850,000.

The district has provided a tax impact calculator on a bond information website, GRbond.org.

How the District Got Here

The bond proposal did not emerge from a quick decision. A process that began with staff surveys in 2023 included an independent facility assessment by architecture firm JEO Consulting Group, six public meetings, building tours open to community members, and multiple surveys. The district mailed a postcard survey to every registered-voter household in the district and received 576 responses across its community and staff feedback efforts.

That input directly shaped the final plan. During the planning process, the district considered several alternatives, including an initial concept for a new K–12 facility estimated at nearly $60 to $80 million. That concept was eliminated early in the public process because of its cost. Subsequent options were revised as the district reviewed meeting discussions and survey results. The final proposal does not include a new gymnasium as a result.

"I want to thank the residents who have taken time to share their questions, priorities and concerns; your feedback has been incredibly valuable.  As the board weighed the pros and cons of many options, your vast and varied array of thoughts and ideas have always been at the forefront.  Please know, we have worked incredibly hard to put together a plan that we feel addresses documented needs while providing the best support for our students, staff and communities.”

— Carrie Child, Gordon-Rushville Public Schools Board of Education

What’s Coming in This Series

Part 2: The Buildings Behind the Bond — An inside look at GRPS's aging facilities, what the independent assessment found, and how the district's plan responds to each identified need.

Part 3: Rushville's School: What Changes, What Doesn't — A dedicated story answering the most common questions about what the bond proposal means for Rushville Elementary, its students, and the community.

Part 4: What Would It Cost? — A full breakdown of the tax impact for homeowners and agricultural landowners, how the bond financing works, and what financial safeguards are in place.

Part 5: Your Questions, Answered — A Q&A story based on questions the district has heard at community meetings and through the Journal Star.

Part 6: Voter Guide — Everything you need to know before you vote on November 3.

Upcoming Community Information Meetings

Community information meetings — open to all residents — are scheduled at:

October 7 at 5:30 p.m. in Rushville

October 14 at 5:30 p.m. in Gordon

October 23 at 9 a.m. in Gordon

*Additional informational sessions will also be provided in other locations across the district with dates, times, and locations to be announced.