Even though Rose Acres Elementary School students aren't driving quite yet, its parking lot is usually packed. Mickey Schoonover, Pattonville School District's director of school-community relations, says the school's space issue is a problem.

"There's never enough parking at that place," Schoonover said.

Parents and teachers will have a few more parking spaces at Rose Acres, plus other facility improvements thanks to voters in their district. They gave a thumbs-up on Nov. 2 for Pattonville School District to borrow $41 million for facilities management.

The school board put Proposition K on the ballot in June, according to the school district's website. Residents living within the school district will not see taxes rise because the district will issue bonds to repay the $41 million loan.

Now that the district has permission to borrow the money, they have to find a lender. Schoonover said the ball is in the school board's court — they will request proposals for bond underwriting firms.

Pattonville School District Chief Financial Officer Ron Orr said the school district has several underwriting firms it speaks with on a regular basis. Those firms will submit proposals that include different fees and expenses associated with issuing the bonds.

The board selects the best from those proposed.

Schoonover said the district hasn't established a timeline yet for facility upgrades, however Orr said they should all be complete within the next three years.

The district has already requested architectural proposals. A team composed of Orr, two school board members, Director of Facilities David Winslow and Superintendent Michael Fulton will make a recommendation to the school board.

Then the district will examine the most efficient way to spend the money.

Schoonover said some of the larger projects will happen at Pattonville High School, for instance the district plans to replace the school's football stadium.

"It's as old as the school itself," Schoonover said. Pattonville High has been at its current location since 1971.

The district has highlighted on its Proposition K Legacy website that the money will fund facility maintenance, safety and encourage fitness, involvement and academic achievement.