In 2021, USD 443 capitalized on lower interest rates to refinance a 2015 bond that funded tornado shelters and significant upgrades across the district's attendance centers. Refinancing reduced the bond payment by six years and saved substantial interest expense.

Because of the saved interest expense and the district's stable financial status, our board members were confident in voting to reduce the bond and interest mill levy by nine mills; the reduction in mills translates into a savings of $2,154,000 to the taxpayers of USD 443.  They could reduce the mills without compromising salaries or the quality of educational services provided to our students.