Sparta Schools Bond 2026
Trojan Bond
The futures we’re building begin with schools ready to lead the way.
Through careful financial stewardship, Sparta R-III is moving forward with key improvements to our school facilities while keeping the district’s debt service tax rate unchanged. Voters approved the district’s $7.5 million no-tax-increase bond, supporting community-priority projects that strengthen our schools and student programs. These projects include renovations and improvements at Sparta Elementary and Middle School, construction of a new activities/athletics complex, and the purchase of property currently leased by the district to better support long-term district needs.
With voter approval, the district’s debt service levy is projected to remain steady at $0.8655 per $100 of assessed valuation—delivering meaningful improvements for students, staff, and the community with no increase to the debt service tax rate.
What does the Trojan Bond do?
ELEMENTARY PROJECTS
The Sparta Strong Bond will support our Elementary School by improving student safety with a new entrance awning and updating playground equipment to create engaging, age-appropriate spaces for our youngest learners.
MIDDLE SCHOOL PROJECTS
The Sparta Strong Bond will bring meaningful improvements to our Middle School, including updates to the old gym, an expanded and remodeled band room, a dedicated space for archery, and enhanced safety and facility upgrades that directly support student learning and activities.
HIGH SCHOOL PROJECTS
The Sparta Strong Bond will fund the construction of a new baseball/softball complex providing safe, modern facilities that support student athletes, school programs, and community use while meeting the district’s long-term needs.
A message from Sparta Schools Superintendent,
Dr. Eric Russell
As Superintendent of Sparta R-III School District, I am pleased to share information regarding the proposed bond initiative and the improvements it is designed to support. This proposal represents a planned investment in district facilities to ensure they adequately serve the academic, extracurricular, and operational needs of our students. If approved by voters, bond proceeds will be used to construct a new combined softball and baseball complex, providing safe and appropriately designed facilities for student participation and community use. The project will also create additional green space at the high school to support instructional activities and allow the district to host school and community events.
The proposed bond also includes planned improvements at Sparta Middle School. These projects include renovations to the existing gymnasium, remodeling and expansion of the band room, and the development of a designated practice space for the district’s archery program. In addition, the proposal addresses facility maintenance and safety needs, including the installation of secure badge access entry and repairs to address water penetration and protect the integrity of the building. At Sparta Elementary School, bond proceeds would be used to construct a new entrance awning to improve student drop-off and pick-up safety and to update playground equipment to provide safe, developmentally appropriate play areas for students.
If approved, the bond would allow the district to address identified facility needs, maintain and improve existing infrastructure, to pay off property leased by the district, and to support student programs in appropriate learning environments. All bond funds would be used solely for the purposes described in the ballot language, in accordance with Missouri law. Community members are encouraged to review the proposal and participate in the election process. We are grateful for the continued support of our community and its ongoing commitment to the success of Sparta R-III School District.
