Bell City School District’s future in limbo after bond certification denied

BELL CITY, Mo., (KBSI) — The Bell City School District’s plans for new schools and a storm shelter have been put on hold after the Missouri State Auditor denied bond certification, citing inadequate publication of election notice.

The district disputes the decision, saying it met all statutory requirements for notice and that the auditor’s office has approved similar bond measures for other districts.

The denial has halted the district’s projects, which include a new elementary school, high school and storm shelter, totaling $11 million. The district has invested hundreds of thousands of dollars and countless hours on the projects.

The district is urging the community to contact state officials, including the auditor, governor and legislators, to advocate for consistent application of rules and regulations.

“We are simply asking the State Auditor to consistently apply the same set of rules and regulations for every school district in the state,” the district said in a statement. “Changing the rules in the middle of the process is unacceptable.”