Three Eastern Iowa school districts are taking multimillion bond issues to voters this November — during a presidential election year — in the hopes of winning approval to addressing facility needs.
In Iowa, at least 60 percent of voters within a school district’s boundaries must vote for the bond — basically, loans that schools take out, typically for 10, 15 or 20 years — in order for it to pass. The voters would agree to repay the loan with interest through their property taxes.
The elections will be Nov. 5.
As of July 1, 2023, all special elections for bonds must be held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November, per Iowa code. School districts taking general obligation bond referendums to voters this fall will be tasked with educating more voters as a higher turnout is expected in a presidential election.
‘Slow, steady growth’ in Williamsburg district
The Williamsburg Community School District is asking voters to consider about a $22.4 million bond referendum that, if approved, would fund construction of an addition to the elementary school and site improvements to the junior/senior high school.
The passage of the bond would fund about a 14,500-square-foot addition for fifth and sixth-graders at Mary Welsh Elementary School, which serves students in preschool to sixth grade in the Williamsburg school district. This would add about eight classrooms and office space for a school counselor and group collaboration.
Other improvements to the elementary school would include upgrades to the heating and cooling system, LED lights, updated classroom fixtures and additional parking.
At Williamsburg Junior/Senior High, the plan includes improvements to the heating and cooling system, updates to classrooms and the creation of additional space to accommodate the instrumental music program by consolidating the building’s two cafeterias into one.
The district hired Emergent Architecture and BlueStone Engineering to complete an evaluation of the school facilities and provide guidance in the creation of a master plan. This plan includes input from community members and school staff, Superintendent Chad Garber said.
In addition to bond funding, the district would use up to $13 million from Secure an Advanced Vision for Education, a capital projects fund for the purchase and improvements of grounds, remodeling of buildings and major equipment purchases, including technology. The expenditures from SAVE are approved by voters in a Revenue Purpose Statement and funded by an existing statewide sales taxes.
Voters in Williamsburg approved a Revenue Purpose Statement in March by 91 percent.
Garber said the district, which is located in Iowa and Johnson counties and includes Williamsburg, Parnell and Conroy — has experienced “slow, steady growth” — about 5 percent since 2008. This means it needs more classroom space, especially at the elementary school, he said.
“Every year we see construction costs increasing and the need for facilities improvement,” Garber said. “We’d like voters to consider these projects as soon as possible so we’re able to address the needs we’ve identified and maintain the scope of the project before costs increase from one year to the next.”
If the bond is approved, homeowners in the district would see an increase of about $1.83 per $1,000 of assessed property value. The tax rate for homeowners in the district would be $16.16 per $1,000 of taxable property value.
Garber said he believes taking a school bond referendum to voters during a presidential election could be a way to “bring people together.”
“If the community believes the projects are right for Williamsburg schools, we believe there will be support for that,” Garber said. “Our goal is for every voter to be informed.”
There are about 600 students in the Williamsburg school district.
Bond wouldn’t raise taxes in Highland district
The Highland Community School District is asking voters to consider about a $15 million bond referendum that, if approved, would fund the construction of an addition and renovations to the middle and high school building and elementary school.
The project includes improvements at the middle and high school to locker rooms, a multipurpose area and the addition of a gymnasium with space for more spectator seating. At the elementary school, improvements would be made to classrooms, administrative spaces and a secure entrance.
The facility plan was created with input from OPN Architects and a facility advisory committee made up of school staff and community members.
If approved, the bond would not increase taxes since the district has another bond being paid off next year. The school levy rate for homeowners in the district would remain at $12.95 per $1,000 assessed value.
“We need to do this now. Prices aren’t going to get cheaper. If we keep waiting, it’s only going to be more expensive,” Highland Superintendent Ken Crawford said.
There are about 500 students in the Highland Community School District, which is south of Iowa City and includes the Riverside and Ainsworth communities.
Decorah’s elementary needs studied for years
The Decorah Community School District is asking voters to consider an about $38 million bond referendum that, if approved, would fund the construction of an elementary school.
First, though, on Sept. 10, district voters will be asked to consider renewing the district’s Revenue Purpose Statement through 2051. The statement specifies how the Decorah school district is allowed to spend revenue it receives through the SAVE sales tax.
If both measures are approved, the district could move forward with building an elementary school on land purchased in fall 2023 near the current John Cline Elementary School, 101 Claiborne Dr. in Decorah.
The district began evaluating John Cline Elementary and the West Side Early Childhood Center, at 301 Center St. in Decorah, 16 years ago, according to the school’s website. John Cline opened in 1964, and West Side was constructed in 1938.
In 2008, an Iowa Construction Advocate Team — a program offered through the Iowa Association of School Boards — conducted a review of John Cline and recommended it be replaced. In the years since, both John Cline and West Side have been “extensively studied,” according to the school’s website.
The buildings were further evaluated in 2013 by StruXture Architects, which found that renovating the facilities is not a practical or a cost-effective option. A new elementary school would replace both buildings.
In April, a community survey was created to gather feedback about the potential construction of an elementary school. More than 76 percent of the respondents said they would support such a project, while 15.4 percent said they would not and 8.1 percent said they were unsure.
If voters approve the bond referendum, homeowners in the district would see an estimated impact of 86 cents on every $1,000 of taxable property value. This would result in an increase of approximately $7.96 per month — or about $95 a year — for a home with a valuation of $250,000, the district said.
The Decorah Community School District serves about 1,700 students.
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