A school bond is used by public school districts, to finance school building projects. This requires voter support and approval. School bonds are paid for by property taxes.

Bonds are long-term investments that allow the district to purchase and build structures. Similar to a home mortgage, the district repays the money (plus interest) in installments over time. A bond allows a school district to borrow money to build, renovate, or repair schools or other facilities.

🔲 Shall the Board of Education of Carthage R-IX School District of Jasper County, Missouri, issue general obligation bonds in the amount not to exceed $25,000,000 for the purpose of acquiring, constructing, improving, furnishing and equipping school buildings, including without limitation an auditorium, including classroom space, resulting in no estimated tax increase to the debt service property tax levy? If this proposition is approved, the adjusted debt service levy of the District is expected to remain the same at $0.83 per one hundred dollars assessed valuation of real and personal property.

If approved by voters, Carthage School District would use the approved 2025 bond funds to:

• Construct a new Carthage District auditorium on the CHS campus. 
• Provide a storm shelter on the CHS campus.
• Provide additional CHS classroom space. 
• Potentially add a CHS JROTC program.
• Provide additional student opportunities. 
• Eliminate bussing across town. 
• Provide district and community venue hosting.

The April ballot asks voters if they approve or disapprove of an up to $25 million bond for Carthage School District. This is zero tax rate increase, which extends debt payoff no more than five years. 

Due to significant growth in the district over the past 20 years, the Carthage R-9 School Board—after gathering input from the long-range facilities planning committee, which included parents, teachers, students, and community members—has called for a bond election to build a new district auditorium.

If approved by voters, the 2025 bond funds would be used to:

• Construct a new district auditorium on the CHS campus
• Provide a storm shelter at CHS
• Add classroom space at CHS
• Potentially establish a JROTC program at CHS
• Expand student opportunities
• Eliminate bussing across town for performances and events
• Create a district and community venue for hosting events

This zero tax rate increase bond would extend current bonds no more than five years—allowing the district to enhance student learning, improve safety, and provide more opportunities without raising the tax rate.