A $11-million no-tax increase bond measure, also known as Prop G, will be decided by voters in the April 8 election. The initiative will need a four-sevenths majority, or 57.14 percent, for passage. 

The Wright City R-II Board of Education had voted 6-1 for the prop to be on the April ballot in January. 

According to the ballot language, the district's debt service is estimated to remain unchanged at $0.9995 per $100 of assessed valuation.

Prop G was made because of the new high school only having an auxiliary gym. If this bond is passed, varsity volleyball and basketball games will be played at the new high school. It will also allow for an expansion of athletic facilities and provide additional capacity space for school events. 

“The construction of the performance gym would address student safety by reducing the need for travel between the new and old high schools for practices,” R-II officials noted. “Keeping all practices and competitions at the new high school would eliminate the need for transportation between campuses.” 

Throughout the initial bid process for the new high school, the district received multiple options that would allow Phase 1 of construction to be built within the district’s bonding capacity. With limitations due to their bonding capacity, the district made the decision to prioritize the construction of the ball fields and stadium, instead of a performance gym. 

“The new high school was intended to be a multi-phase project. From early on, we planned to return to voters in April 2025 to seek support for the construction of the performance gym,” R-II officials said. 

This past winter, varsity basketball games were played at the old high school despite having opened the new high school this semester. The new high school currently has an auxiliary gym. However, this gym primarily serves as a FEMA storm shelter and accommodates gym classes and some athletic practices. It is not used for the purpose of varsity-level sports or large events. 

A concrete number for the cost of the performance gym will not be applicable until final drawings and bids are made. According to Erik Wilson from Bond Architects, estimates for the performance gym could range from $9.2 to $12.2 million. 

However, school officials have noted they will reduce the scope of the project, with board approval, if the bids come in higher than what the board is comfortable with. 

“The district remains committed to responsible financial planning and ensuring that bond funds are used effectively to meet student needs. We prioritize providing the best facilities for students while maintaining transparency about costs and long-term planning,” R-II officials said. 

The schools district also noted they keep up to date information on its district website, and anyone can contact the Central Office or appropriate school representations for more details.