(MSC News)--Area voters will go to the polls Tuesday to decide city and school board races while USD 380 patrons will also be deciding the fate of a bond issue.

It’s the first time voters will select city and school board leaders in a November election.  Before this year, those elections were held in the spring.  The Kansas Legislature in 2015 voted to move city and school elections  from the spring of odd-numbered years to November of odd-numbered years.

The USD 380 bond proposal is for $1.35 million for safety and security improvements at the district’s three attendance centers in Centralia, Frankfort and Vermillion.

If approved, the funds would be used at each building to develop secure entries, move the office spaces to the front entrances, provide access controls on exterior doors, new interior classroom locks and address camera coverage deficiencies.

District voters in August turned down a $8.25 million bond issue that included other building projects in addition to the safety and security improvements.

In Atchison County, the only major contested race is for the three open seats on the Atchison City Commission.

Seeking the positions are three incumbents Dr. Allen Reavis, Larry Purcell, and David Haussmann; and, despite rumors and speculation, all four challengers remain in the running for that race, including George Ross, Jr., Floyd “Jay” Robinson, Shawn Rizza, and Michael Hein.

In Brown County, there are contested races for two seats on the Horton City Commission.  Commissioner of Streets and Utilities Wade Edwards is being challenged by Bobby Bacon in his bid for re-election to another term.  Commissioner of Finance Ken Krug is being challenged by David Kooser.

There are also contested races for three positions in the USD 430 Board of Education.  Katelyn Ross and James Stuart are both vying for position 4 on the board, which is currently held by Tim McClaskey who did not seek re-election.  Jamie Bottom and Jared Wilson are both seeking position 5 currently held by Gregg Dishon.  Incumbent Jacob Bruning is being challenged by Samantha McClain for position six.

In Doniphan County, voters will determine who will serve as the Mayor of Denton, with incumbent Melvin Massey challenged by Steve Davis.

Two positions are open on the Elwood City Council, with incumbent Dennis Smith joined by Mickey Meers, Dennis Muse, and Peggy Wood, in seeking those positions.

Three positions are open on the Board of Education for Doniphan West USD 111, with incumbents Brad Holzhey and Carla Johnson both seeking re-election to Distrct 2, challenged by Jeff Albers, Cody Peters, and Stephanie Symns.

Seeking the three positions on the Riverside USD 114 Board of Education, for District 2, are incumbents Barbara Derrick and Tim Smith, along with Jennifer Davis and Chris Hewins.

In Jackson County, incumbent Ed Rostetter is being challenged by Robert Mock for position 5 on the Jackson Heights USD 335 Board.   On the Royal Valley USD 337 Board, incumbent Jeff Stithem is being challenged by Nathan McAllister for position 5.

The polls will be open Tuesday from the 7 in the morning until 7 in the evening.