As the April 7 municipal election approaches, students across Owensville High School are speaking up about how the proposed GCR2 bond could directly impact their daily school experience. From safety concerns to fine arts and athletics, many students say the bond would make school a better, safer and more supportive place to learn.
If passed, the GCR2 bond would add new and improved spaces across the district, including a connecting hallway between the main building and the Agriculture (AG) building to improve safety. It would also expand fine arts areas for band, choir and drama, add a dedicated wrestling space, and improve P.E. facilities. A CTE (Career and Technical Education) addition is included that will allow access to another carport, improving accessibility and daily operations.
At the elementary level, the bond includes a kitchen and corridor expansion to better serve students.
A major focus of student feedback is safety and accessibility, especially with the AG building. Currently, many students must walk outside to get from one class to another, even in rain, snow, and ice.
Sophomore Lydia Wilson explained that the proposed connecting hallway would provide a safer and warmer route between buildings.
“A lot of kids walk outside to get from one class to another, which is a safety issue,” she said. “Instead of walking outside where practically anyone can be, students would be inside with everyone else.”
Freshman Blaine Segelhorst agreed, saying the bond would improve his everyday experience by keeping students out of bad weather.
“I would not get rained on,” Segelhorst said.
Students involved in fine arts believe the bond would open new opportunities and improve learning environments. Freshman Levi Stoker shared his excitement about the possibility of new choir and band spaces.
“Getting a new choir and band room would be amazing, because the band room is meant for instruments and their sound, but not for voices,” Stoker said. “If we get a choir room designed for voices, it will be really nice.”
Wilson also pointed out that fine arts students currently share practice spaces with multiple groups.
“Drama rehearsals are happening in the same area as wrestling, and the occasional outdoor sports during bad weather, and almost every P.E. class,” she said. “An auditorium would benefit the choir, band and drama daily.”
Freshman Brooke Tainter believes improved facilities would affect more than just classes; they would change how students feel about school overall.
“It would improve the atmosphere and let kids continue to follow their dreams and interests,” she said. “Having a safe atmosphere makes more kids interested in being involved.”
Athletics and physical education would also see benefits. The bond would provide dedicated space for wrestling, reducing overcrowding and improving safety during practices and meets. Wilson noted that fewer people stepping on wrestling mats with shoes would help protect athletes and equipment. Weight training and P.E. classes would also gain a more functional space.
Altogether, the bond would impact a wide range of students (a total of 1,939 students):
At the elementary level, the bond includes a kitchen and corridor expansion at Gerald Elementary and playground equipment at Owensville Elementary, which would benefit all 799 elementary students.
Students emphasized that the bond is not just about new facilities, but about long-term student success.
“This bond would greatly impact students and make school an overall better experience for all,” Stoker said.
Tainter added a message directly for voters.
“Your vote matters in improving our school and our kids’ success for the future,” Tainter said.
Make sure to vote on April 7.
