VIENNA — Residents of the Maries County R-I School District will vote April 7 on Proposition Eagles, a $1 million general obligation bond aimed at funding safety, security and infrastructure improvements across the district without increasing the current property tax levy.

A bond issue allows a school district to borrow money for major capital projects and repay the debt over time through an established tax rate. Bond funds cannot be used for operational expenses such as salaries or classroom supplies.

District officials say the bond would extend, but not increase, the current 44-cent debt service tax levy. If approved, the adjusted debt service levy is estimated to remain unchanged at $0.44 per $100 of assessed valuation of real and personal property.

The proposal focuses on maintaining and improving existing facilities.

A pamphlet, provided by the district, said, “The bond issue will fund safety and security upgrades, as well as repairs, renovations, installations, and improvements to the district’s existing facilities.”

To pass, the measure requires a four-sevenths majority, or 57.1 percent plus one vote is needed.

Provided material said the district’s financial position made it possible to place the issue before voters without raising taxes.

“Thanks to good financial management by the district, Maries R-1 is now in a position to ask for a bond without raising taxes,” the pamphlet said. “This is the result of aggressively refinancing for better rates. Local commercial and residential growth has also helped by expanding the local tax base.”

Maries County R-I Superintendent Teresa Messersmith added that the district will continue monitoring debt levels and interest rates to protect taxpayers.

“Regardless of the bond issue, if by some rare and unanticipated circumstance the county significantly decreases the assessed valuation of properties within the school district, we might be required to increase the debt service property tax levy to ensure all financial obligations are satisfied in accordance with state law,” Messersmith said.

According to official ballot language and district materials, the bond would fund roof repairs and replacements, heating, ventilation and air conditioning upgrades, replacement of interior classroom doors for improved security, paving of the elementary school parking lot, and other facility repairs.

At Maries R-I Elementary, plans include replacing all classroom doors with upgraded, more secure doors, replacing the roof, replacing the HVAC system, and paving the parking lot to provide safer access for buses, staff and families.

At the middle and high school levels, the proposal includes replacing the high school gym roof and the Family and Consumer Science building roof, replacing HVAC systems throughout both buildings, and replacing middle school classroom doors with updated, more secure doors.

The pamphlet said the bond’s impact extends beyond school buildings.

“Realtors agree that a good school system attracts buyers to an area,” the pamphlet said. “Many homebuyers ask about the school district before making a decision. Because Maries R-1 is highly rated and has a strong reputation, property values are higher here.”

The pamphlet also pointed to economic development considerations.

“Companies that are considering locations for new businesses often insist on a good educational system for their children and their employees’ children,” the pamphlet said.

Currently, Maries R-I’s total tax levy is 3.7902, among the lowest in the area. Neighboring districts include Osage R-3 at 5.0300, Prairie Home R-V at 4.8538, Miller County R-3 at 4.5778 and Jamestown C-1 at 4.2002, according to district comparison data. Missouri’s average school tax levy is listed at $4.82 statewide.