Raymore-Peculiar School District News
Jan. 22, 2021
In This Issue
Bond issue
Budget award
Calendar updates
School Board
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Motivational and inspirational messages cover bulletin boards in the main hallway at Ray-Pec High School.
No-tax-rate-increase bond issue set for April 6 ballot

The Board of Education on Jan. 21 approved placing a $72 million no-tax-rate-increase bond issue on the ballot for April 6, 2021. The bond issue would support priorities identified in the recently-adopted long-range facility plan.

There are three primary reasons for the bond issue:
  • Student enrollment 
  • Student opportunities
  • Stewardship and maintenance of existing facilities
If approved, the bond issue would allow the District to take the first step toward a second high school - with construction of a freshman center that can be expanded in the future. The freshman center is planned for district-owned property adjacent to Ray-Pec East Middle School.

The plan includes construction of a new, larger performing arts center. Bond funds would also be used for construction of district tennis courts and additional practice fields.

A major portion of the plan includes funding for career-oriented education, including technology and engineering, as well as adding a new programs, such as HVAC, plumbing, or electrical studies.

The plan also includes maintenance work at every school.


A committee including teachers, principals, city officials, demographic experts, board of education members, and district staff helped develop the new long range facility plan. Information about the long-range facility plan priorities was shared at more than 25 public presentations, in three public surveys, and through numerous communication updates.


The bond issue requires a 4/7 majority to pass. The District will share more information about the bond issue in the coming weeks. Read more
District receives budget award for 6th straight year
For the sixth consecutive year, the Raymore-Peculiar School District has received the Meritorious Budget Award from the Association of School Business Officials International. The award recognizes the District for its 2020-2021 budget submission.

The MBA promotes and recognizes excellence in school budget presentation. After a rigorous review by professional auditors, the award is conferred on school districts that meet or exceed the program's stringent criteria. During the 2019-2020 school year, only seven Missouri school districts, including Ray-Pec, received the award.

Preparing the budget in a manner to qualify for the Meritorious Budget Award is a more comprehensive process than a normal budget. The finished product must present financial information, statistical data, and performance data in a clear, easy-to-read way that illustrates the District's short- and long-term strategies and provides transparency in the budgeting process. 
 
You can review the Budget Document.
Calendar reminders
  • Jan. 30 - Polar Plunge, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Little Platte Swim Beach. Join the team or make a donation here. Click on either "Join a Team" or "Donate" and select Prehistoric Panthers. For school, select Raymore Peculiar School District.
  • Jan. 31 - Deadline to nominate a student in grades 1-7 for candidacy to be evaluated for the LEAP program for gifted students. Read more
  • Feb. 5 - Deadline to nominate someone for Teacher of the Year or Support Staff Employee of the Year. Read more
Six candidates to vie for two School Board seats

Six people have filed to run for election to the Raymore-Peculiar School Board. The filing period ended on Jan. 19. Candidates are:
  • Billy King of Raymore (incumbent)
  • Athenia Ingram of Peculiar
  • Thomas Walsh of Raymore
  • Janet Jones of Raymore
  • Deanna Olson of Raymore
  • Susan Edmonsond of Raymore
On April 6, 2021, voters will select two people to serve three-year terms. Board members whose terms expire in 2021 are Ashley Jones and Billy King. More information