Facility projects get green-light in Center Point-Urbana, Highland, Decorah and Monticello
Grace King
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Voters on Tuesday approved four of six multimillion school bond referendums in Eastern Iowa that will fund facility projects, including new school buildings and safer entrances for students.
The proposals added up to almost $150 million in school bond referendums taken to Eastern Iowa voters.
The school districts that took general obligation bond referendums to voters were, in some cases, faced with educating more voters than in previous bond issues because the questions went on a presidential election ballot, which attracts a larger turnout.
School leaders feared delaying projects could lead to higher costs later due to inflation, rising material and labor costs and perhaps higher interest rates.
In Iowa, at least 60 percent of voters within a school district’s boundaries must vote for a bond — basically, loans that schools take out, usually for 10 to 20 years — in order for it to pass. The voters agree to repay the loan with interest through their property taxes.
As of July 1, 2023, Iowa lawmakers required that all special bond referendums must be held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November — the date of statewide and federal elections.
Center Point-Urbana bond approved
Voters in the Center Point-Urbana Community School District — which includes portions of Linn and Benton counties — approved a $20.6 million bond referendum by about 63 percent.
The bond will fund construction of a 600-seat auditorium and secure entrances at the elementary and middle school, among other projects. Construction would begin in spring 2027.
“I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the voters of (Center Point-Urbana),” Superintendent John Elkin said. “You recognized the importance of making these improvements and investing in the future of our students and community.”
The bond referendum does not increase the debt service levy for homeowners in the school district. The current debt service rate is $4.05 per $1,000 of taxable property value. The current school levy rate is $17.78 per $1,000.
The first phase of projects under the Center Point-Urbana district’s facility plan would be funded with revenue from the voter-approved Physical Plant and Equipment Levy and an existing statewide 1-cent sales tax called Secure an Advanced Vision for Education.
Phase 1 projects include roof repairs and replacements to the elementary and middle schools and heating, ventilation and air conditioning improvements to all the schools.
Phase II — which would be funded by the proposed $20.6 million bond — includes a new weight room and a multipurpose space. Improvements also are planned for the athletic fields and concessions.
Phase II also would fund the addition of secure entrances at the elementary and middle schools similar to those already in place at the intermediate and high schools.
There are about 1,400 students in the Center Point-Urbana Community School District.
Williamsburg bond fails
A $22.3 million bond referendum in the Williamsburg Community School District — which includes portions of Johnson and Iowa counties — failed, with about 50 percent of voters favoring the measure. A 60 percent supermajority is required for a school bond referendum to pass.
The bond would have funded facility projects, including the creation of a new Career and Technical Education Center at the Jr/Sr High School and modifications to Mary Welsh Elementary School.
Superintendent Chad Garber said there’s “really good value” in these projects. “We’ll take the feedback we’ll get from our constituents, make some adjustments and really work to come up with projects that meet the needs of the district and values of the community,” he said.
The district will continue to move forward with the Phase 1 facility plan of up to $13 million funded by SAVE, an existing statewide 1-cent sales tax, Garber said.
The plan will address needs at Williamsburg Junior/Senior High School, including consolidating two existing cafeterias into one food preparation and serving area and one central commons area to better use the space in and around the main corridor between the gymnasium and library.
At Mary Welsh Elementary School, Phase 1 — also funded by SAVE — would include the construction of a fifth- and sixth-grade wing, create additional parking and upgrades to the HVAC and mechanical equipment.
There are about 1,300 students in the Williamsburg school district.
Highland bond approved
A $15 million bond referendum was approved by voters in the Highland Community School District by about 62.4 percent. The Highland district includes portions of Washington, Johnson and Louisa counties.
The bond will fund an addition and renovations to the middle and high school building and elementary school.
It will not increase the tax rate since the district is paying off another bond next year. The school levy rate for homeowners in the district would remain at $12.95 per $1,000 of taxable property value.
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 bond approved
Voters in the Decorah Community School District — which includes Winneshiek County and a small portion of Allamakee County — approved a $38 million bond referendum to fund a new elementary school. The measure was approved by about 66 percent of those voting.
The new school will be built on land the district purchased in fall 2023 near the current John Cline Elementary School, 101 Claiborne Dr. in Decorah. It will replace John Cline and West Side Early Childhood Center, at 301 Center St. in Decorah.
With the bond approved, homeowners in the district will see an estimated impact of 86 cents for 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.
Monticello bond approved
A $15 million bond referendum in the Monticello Community School District was approved by voters by about 60.6 percent. The district includes portions of Delaware, Dubuque, Jones and Linn counties.
The bond will fund a new elementary school to replace Carpenter Elementary, 615 N. Gill St, and Shannon Elementary, 321 W. South St., both in Monticello.
The new elementary school is a part of a $26.5 million project and will be built as an addition to the middle and high school. The remaining costs will be funded by SAVE, an existing statewide 1-percent sales tax in Iowa.
The bond will cost taxpayers $1.10 per $1,000 of net taxable value.
The Monticello Community School District serves about 1,000 students.
Fairfield bond failed
A $38.51 million general obligation bond narrowly failed in the Fairfield Community School District. It gained about 57.8 percent approval, short of the required 60 percent. The Fairfield district includes portions of Jefferson, Henry, Van Buren, Wapello and Washington counties.
The bond would have funded construction of a new middle school. The current middle school, built in 1966, has extensive infrastructure issues and needs a new secure entrance for student safety.
About 1,500 students are in the Fairfield Community School District.
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