Perry County voters to decide revised Prop KIDS measure in August
FOX23 News at 9 p.m
PERRYVILLE, Mo., (KBSI) — The Perry County District 32 Board of Education approved a revised Proposition KIDS measure Wednesday night that will appear on the Aug. 4 primary election ballot.
The measure asks voters to approve a $0.2215 increase in the district’s operating levy per $100 of assessed valuation to help fund construction of a new Perryville High School building.
District officials said the proposal would generate $35 million for the project after the current high school suffered major structural damage during a March 2025 tornado. Students and staff have spent the past year in temporary facilities.
The proposed increase would raise the district’s operating levy ceiling to $3.4979 beginning in 2026. Officials said the levy would decrease by an estimated $0.5440 when a temporary levy expires in 2046.
The revised proposal is lower than the previous $0.41 levy increase that failed during the April general election.
“The voters spoke loud and clear in April,” Board President Dominic Blythe said in a statement. “We knew we had to find a way to reduce the taxpayer ask.”
District leaders said they are continuing to work with construction teams on plans and budgets for the new facility. Officials also said they expect FEMA reimbursements to help offset costs.
The board also approved a bid from Marschel Wrecking LLC to demolish the north portion of the damaged high school building this summer, including the gymnasium, administrative offices and classrooms.
During the meeting, the board also recognized students for achievements at the SkillsUSA State competition and State FFA Convention, honored Nancy Voelker for 20 years of service on the board and approved several bids and district measures.
