Proposition PAWS Initiative seeks funding for Cassville School District
March 29, 2023
Shown above is an exterior conceptual rendering of the proposed performing arts center.
Adriana Keeton
The Cassville R-IV School District will ask voters to approve a nine million dollar no-tax rate increase, PAWS (Performing Arts Wildcat Safety) initiative, on the April 4, 2023, General Election ballot.
Passage of the bond will allow the Cassville School District to ‘utilize bond funds to construct a performing arts center on the high school campus; implement energy saving/maintenance improvements, including roofs, windows, electrical systems, gutters, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) units, and lighting; complete safety upgrades District-wide; repurpose existing space for the wrestling program; and to the extent funds are available, complete other repairs and improvements to the existing facilities of the District.’ The approval vote needed is a 4/7 majority or 57.14%
“I am excited about the possibilities of Proposition PAWS if it should pass on April 4,” Cassville Superintendent Merlyn Johnson said. “The students of Cassville R-IV deserve similar facilities and opportunities as their peers in districts of the same size throughout southwest Missouri. The addition of a performing arts center and safety/maintenance upgrades throughout all campuses will provide these much-needed facility improvements and opportunities for students.”
Drake Thomas, a 2016 graduate and Language Interventionist and Special Education Instructional Assistance at Cassville Primary, a supporter of the initiative, shared, “A performing arts center has been needed desperately for a number of years in our area. As a musician, performer, and educator, a new facility of this caliber will generate a lot of positive things for our community. I’m excited about the future of Cassville R-IV Schools”!
The proposed state-of-the-art 28,000 sq. ft. performing arts center will connect directly to the south end of the high school. It will be able to seat 800, with fixed and retractable seating, have a dedicated lighting and sound booth and concessions, and provide classroom space and storage for students in the fine arts programs.
Dr. Johnson added, “The performing arts facility would be available for community organizations and approved groups to use for a variety of events and activities.”
The exterior will provide a large parking area, which could be used for the bus and car student drop off and pick up. The parking lot will also be marked for band students to practice off the turf.
“Performing arts, especially show choir and band, have been a huge part of our family dynamic,” said Kim Garner, a CHS graduate, mom to three students, and volunteer for Band and Choir Booster. “All three of our children are incredibly musically talented and have gone on many musical adventures, including many competitions and concerts where we have all made many lasting memories. Cassville Schools having their own Performing Arts Center would only increase the opportunities for our talented students and community members to thrive for many years to come.”
If the bond issue is approved, Paragon Architecture will be the architect, and R.E. Smith will be the construction management company for the project.
If you have questions about the no-tax rate increase Proposition PAWS bond issue, contact Dr. Merlyn Johnson at 417-847-2221 or via email at [email protected]
The Cassville R-IV School District will ask voters to approve a nine million dollar no-tax rate increase, PAWS (Performing Arts Wildcat Safety) initiative, on the April 4, 2023, General Election ballot.
Passage of the bond will allow the Cassville School District to ‘utilize bond funds to construct a performing arts center on the high school campus; implement energy saving/maintenance improvements, including roofs, windows, electrical systems, gutters, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) units, and lighting; complete safety upgrades District-wide; repurpose existing space for the wrestling program; and to the extent funds are available, complete other repairs and improvements to the existing facilities of the District.’ The approval vote needed is a 4/7 majority or 57.14%
“I am excited about the possibilities of Proposition PAWS if it should pass on April 4,” Cassville Superintendent Merlyn Johnson said. “The students of Cassville R-IV deserve similar facilities and opportunities as their peers in districts of the same size throughout southwest Missouri. The addition of a performing arts center and safety/maintenance upgrades throughout all campuses will provide these much-needed facility improvements and opportunities for students.”
Drake Thomas, a 2016 graduate and Language Interventionist and Special Education Instructional Assistance at Cassville Primary, a supporter of the initiative, shared, “A performing arts center has been needed desperately for a number of years in our area. As a musician, performer, and educator, a new facility of this caliber will generate a lot of positive things for our community. I’m excited about the future of Cassville R-IV Schools”!
The proposed state-of-the-art 28,000 sq. ft. performing arts center will connect directly to the south end of the high school. It will be able to seat 800, with fixed and retractable seating, have a dedicated lighting and sound booth and concessions, and provide classroom space and storage for students in the fine arts programs.
Dr. Johnson added, “The performing arts facility would be available for community organizations and approved groups to use for a variety of events and activities.”
The exterior will provide a large parking area, which could be used for the bus and car student drop off and pick up. The parking lot will also be marked for band students to practice off the turf.
“Performing arts, especially show choir and band, have been a huge part of our family dynamic,” said Kim Garner, a CHS graduate, mom to three students, and volunteer for Band and Choir Booster. “All three of our children are incredibly musically talented and have gone on many musical adventures, including many competitions and concerts where we have all made many lasting memories. Cassville Schools having their own Performing Arts Center would only increase the opportunities for our talented students and community members to thrive for many years to come.”
If the bond issue is approved, Paragon Architecture will be the architect, and R.E. Smith will be the construction management company for the project.
If you have questions about the no-tax rate increase Proposition PAWS bond issue, contact Dr. Merlyn Johnson at 417-847-2221 or via email at [email protected]
Shown above is the proposed interior layout of the 28,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art performing arts center.