Perry County School District 32 explains revised Proposition K.I.D.S. ahead of August vote
FOX23 News at 9 p.m
PERRYVILLE, Mo. (KBSI)– With absentee voting already underway, Perry County School District 32 is working to answer questions about Proposition K.I.D.S. ahead of the Aug. 4 primary election.
District leaders hosted a community engagement meeting Wednesday evening, giving residents the opportunity to learn more about the proposed funding measure, ask questions during a presentation and speak one-on-one with district officials afterward.
Proposition K.I.D.S. would generate $35 million toward the construction of a new Perryville High School. District leaders estimate the total project will cost about $60 million, with the remaining funding expected to come from insurance proceeds, FEMA reimbursements and district funds.
Superintendent Dr. Fara Jones said one of the biggest differences between the current proposal and the one voters rejected in April is that the district now has more certainty about FEMA reimbursement.
“In April, we did not have assurances and guarantees yet from the federal government that we would get that support,” Jones said. “Now we know we’re going to get support.”
Jones said FEMA assistance reimburses a portion of costs not covered by insurance, allowing the district to reduce the amount it is asking voters to approve.
She also said the district faces a limited window to qualify for FEMA reimbursement and hopes voters understand the importance of acting while that funding remains available.
Jones described the proposal as an opportunity to rebuild Perryville High School with significant outside financial assistance.
“It’s a chance for us to build a $60 million state-of-the-art building for our kids and our community for $35 million,” Jones said.
The district says the March 2025 tornado caused damage across the Perry County School District 32 campus, but Perryville High School sustained the most significant structural damage. Jones said the building also had aging infrastructure before the tornado, including issues with floors, ceilings and other structural components.
Since the storm, high school students have attended classes in temporary locations.
“Our students deserve a home,” Jones said. “We have found temporary placements for them. Students are scattered. The staff has been amazing and resilient in making everything the best they could for the kids. But we need a high school for our community, for our staff and for our kids.”
District leaders encouraged residents with additional questions to continue reaching out and attending community meetings before Election Day.
Voters will decide the future of Proposition K.I.D.S. during the Aug. 4 primary election.
For more information about Proposition K.I.D.S., including project details, renderings of the proposed Perryville High School and upcoming community meetings, visit the Perry County School District 32 website.
Information about absentee voting, polling locations and sample ballots is available through the Perry County Clerk’s Office.
