Pacific, Missouri - The Meramec Valley R-III School District (MVR-III) is excited to announce Proposition M, a $36 million no tax increase bond issue that will appear on the April 8, 2025, ballot. This proposition will fund the construction of a new middle school for 7th and 8th-grade students adjacent to Pacific High School. If approved, it will extend the debt of the district but not alter tax levy rates for property owners.
The Board of Education approved a new district Long-Range Master Plan in July 2024, which identified significant facility needs, particularly at Pacific Intermediate. One major project outlined in Proposition M is the construction of a new 7-8th grade middle school to meet modern educational standards and accommodate current and projected student needs, since renovating the existing Pacific Intermediate building is projected to cost more than constructing a new middle school. Proposition M offers a fiscally responsible solution to address facility deficiencies.
The new middle school will have a positive immediate impact on nearly 900 students when opened, as its construction will also allow 5th and 6th-grade students to move to the more modern and innovative learning spaces of Riverbend School campus. This strategic move addresses the pressing needs at Pacific Intermediate while optimizing the use of existing facilities.
“Proposition M is about more than just bricks and mortar,” explained Superintendent Dr. Carrie Schwierjohn. “It’s about providing our students with the best possible educational opportunities. Modern schools, maximized possibilities, and major benefits for all students – that’s what this bond issue will deliver. By building new, we avoid the significantly higher cost of renovating an aging facility and ensure our resources are used efficiently to benefit all of our students for generations to come.”
Dr. Schwierjohn will host a series of Parent and Community Roundtable meetings across the district to provide detailed information about Proposition M and answer community questions. The schedule is as follows:
Coleman: February 20th
Robertsville: February 27th
Nike: March 4th
Zitzman/DHELC: March 11th
Secondary (PI/RMS/PHS) @ PI: March 24th
The MVR-III School District has demonstrated a commitment to fiscal responsibility, exemplified by the recent payoff of the 2010 bond. This sensible financial management has positioned the district to pursue Proposition M, securing necessary funds for the new middle school and other facility improvements without burdening taxpayers with an increased tax rate.
The district encourages all community members to attend a Parent and Community meeting and learn more about Proposition M. Further information is also available on the Proposition M page of the district website. The MVR-III School District believes that by working together, we can provide the best possible education for our students and build a stronger future for our community.