School officials say both issues could be taken care of with voter approval on April 7. The Wright City R-II School District is asking patrons to pass a $3.5 million no-tax increase bond issue to air condition the remainder of the high school and the elementary school gymnasium and make numerous improvements to the high school athletic facilities, including the construction of an eight-lane, all-weather track. Also included in the project are upgrades to the baseball/softball fields, practice fields, new bleachers and additional parking. The measure, known as Proposition KIDS (Keep Improving District Schools), requires a four-sevenths majority for approval. The bond issue would allow the district to borrow money without the need to raise taxes, according to school officials. If approved, the bonds would be retired with revenue from the current debt service levy of 93.7 cents. Should voters approve the bond issue, Superintendent Chris Gaines noted the bulk of the funding will be used for the air-conditioning project. He noted it's not unusual to see classroom temperatures fluctuate between 70 and 93 degrees. "It's really needed to make it a better learning environment and comfortable for everyone," Gaines said. "It's a huge difference going from one class to the next." With the exception of the current school year so far, the district has been forced to cancel classes due to the rising temperatures inside the school. "There are times at the beginning of the year kids and teachers don't want to be there," Weir explained. "It's hard to concentrate and get anything done." Gaines said an all-weather track would be a welcome addition for the community to use and for the track program. The current track is too short, according to regulations set by the Missouri State High School Activities Association, so the team must compete at meets away from home. To accommodate the track, the football field will be slightly moved. Also, the football and baseball/softball fields would each have an irrigation system installed. "It will look outstanding," Weir said. "We've had some great track teams over the years and they don't even have a place to practice. It will make the school and community more appealing for families looking to move out here." According to a preliminary drawing from Bond Wolfe Architects, 214 parking spots would be available from two different lots constructed at the athletic complex. At previous school board meetings, members have voiced their support for Proposition KIDS. Several of the board members said the athletic facilities had been ignored for too long and needed to be upgraded. "We need to make it a place where the kids like to play and want to play and are proud to bring other schools to," Board member Melissa Springmeyer said at a September meeting. Should voters approve the proposition, the district would immediately begin formal design work. The football field and track could be completed as early as 2010, but weather could postpone completion until the following year.