Voters in the George-Little Rock Community School District will decide whether to approve a General Obligation bond this November as part of a proposed facility improvement plan estimated at approximately $17 million.
The proposed project would address facility needs at both the elementary school in Little Rock and the middle/high school campus in George. District leaders say the plan was developed following a facility assessment completed in 2025, along with community surveys, staff input sessions, and strategic planning discussions that began in 2024.
Projects Planned in Little Rock and George
George-Little Rock Superintendent Amanda Miller says the proposed improvements focus on priorities identified through the district’s assessment process.
“We are looking at in our elementary in the Little Rock community, a classroom addition, a new playground and systems updates. And then at our middle school and high school building in George, we are looking to refresh our career and tech spaces, which include agriculture, industrial tech, family and consumer sciences., and also updates to our bus barn in George.”
According to district documents, the elementary project would include:
•Ground-level classroom addition
•Restroom renovations
•HVAC system upgrades
•New playground
At the middle/high school, proposed projects include:
•Agriculture, industrial technology, and family and consumer sciences updates
•Kitchen and commons renovation/addition
•New windows and exterior improvements
•Elevator upgrades to ADA compliance
•Restroom improvements
•Fitness center updates
•Track resurfacing
•Bus barn improvements
Aging Buildings Drive Need for Improvements
Miller says district leaders determined renovations were the most realistic and cost-effective path forward.
“As a small district, we don’t have the capacity to bond for a brand new building, but we know that in both of our towns Little Rock and George, our buildings need some improvements. So the main school in Little Rock, which is where our elementary is, was constructed in 1915. And our middle school, high school building in George was built in 1920.”
District records show portions of both original school buildings remain in use today. The elementary school includes sections built in 1915, 1958, and 2007, while the middle/high school includes portions dating back to 1920, along with additions completed in 1976, 1993, and 2006.
Funding and Tax Impact
The district plans to fund the project through two separate bonds:
•Approximately $4.9 million Sales Tax Revenue Bond
•General Obligation Bond not to exceed $14.95 million
The total project cost is estimated at approximately $17 million.
Miller notes the district currently carries no outstanding debt after paying off its previous General Obligation bond early in 2025.
School officials estimate a residential property owner with a taxable assessed value of $100,000 would see an annual tax increase of approximately $117.
For agricultural landowners, a 160-acre farm in Lyon County with average assessed values would see an estimated annual increase of about $647.
District officials note that additional tax credits available to seniors, veterans, and qualifying family farms could reduce those impacts.
Looking Toward the Future
Miller says strong schools remain an important investment for the long-term health of both communities.
“Making these updates now protects the quality of education in our district, and it also strengthens the future of GLR and all Mustang communities.”
District officials say additional community tours and informational opportunities are planned later this summer and early fall ahead of the election.
The bond referendum is scheduled for Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
Portions of this story, including the audio, are courtesy of KIWA Radio
