CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) - Preliminary results are in for school bond votes across eastern Iowa.
FAILED
Voters rejected the bond proposal to renovate and upgrade middle schools and Kennedy High School. The failed measure, supported by the “Believe in CR Schools” campaign, would have cost the owner of a $200,000 home an additional $90 per year. The bond would have funded renovations at Roosevelt Middle School (officially called Roosevelt Creative Corridor Business Academy) to accommodate students from both Roosevelt and Wilson, while Wilson Middle would have been converted to an elementary school housing Grant and Taylor students (Cedar River Academy). Additional improvements would have included renovations at McKinley and Kennedy High School to accommodate the Freshman Academy and overhaul the cafeteria.
FAILED
Voters rejected the bond that would have demolished Washington School on Grandview Avenue and built a new facility on the same site, while Jefferson would have been decommissioned and Roosevelt would have remained open. The bond would have funded construction of a new 1,000-student middle school, with $51.9 million of the cost covered by existing SAVE dollars, potentially reducing long-term operating costs by up to $2.5 million annually.
FAILED
Voters rejected the bond for a new middle school serving 5th through 8th graders. The current middle school suffers from construction issues, having been built too low on the site, causing water to leak into the walls. The facility also has old single-pane windows that leak water and air, and needs ADA improvements. The bond would have cost homeowners of $200,000 properties an additional $234 annually.
FAILED
The approved funding will expand East Elementary to serve Pre-K through 5th grade with its own gymnasium (currently serves only K-2), renovate West Elementary into a middle school, and expand programming at the high school.
*A prior version of this story reported that the Independence bond had passed.
FAILED
The bond would have increased taxes for a $200,000 home by $175.53 annually. This followed a failed November 2024 vote for $14.45 million. The proposed improvements included HVAC and electrical system updates, renovations to science and family consumer science classrooms, construction of a new multipurpose facility for weightlifting, wrestling practice and batting cages, indoor recess space for elementary students, and new bus barns in Ackley and Wellsburg.
PASSED
Voters approved the bond after failing to pass a similar measure the previous year. The district serves PreK through 6th grades in Aplington and 7th through 12th grades at Parkersburg High School. The bond will fund secure entrances and HVAC improvements, costing owners of $200,000 homes an extra $243 annually.
PASSED
Successfully passed the bond to build a competition gymnasium serving the entire district with seating for 1,000, along with additions to the elementary building.
FAILED
Voters rejected a $7 million bond that would have funded ADA-accessible restrooms and stage areas, plus a secure entrance to the elementary wing.
FAILED
The rejected bond was being considered for high school renovations including a new secured entrance, student commons and kitchen, new Family and Consumer Sciences classrooms, a new music complex with classrooms and rehearsal spaces, classroom updates, library conversion to new classrooms and student support areas, and updates to HVAC, plumbing, electrical and lighting systems.
PASSED
The bond will fund new PreK-6th grade classrooms and PE space with HVAC improvements at Laurel Elementary, convert the closed Gilman Middle School into a gym with district offices and locker rooms, and add new 7th-12th grade classrooms with HVAC at Le Grand High School. Their $19.8 million bond failed in 2024. The district has experienced a 35% enrollment drop since 2012 (now at 590 students) and lost $2.26 million in state funding.
PASSED
Voters said yes for their junior and high school to build a secure-entry classroom addition, ensure ADA compliance, and update HVAC systems in the current facility dating back to 1921. The measure would cost $200,000 homeowners an additional $243 annually.
PASSED
Voters approved the bond to improve Lowden Elementary School to match the newer building’s offerings in Mechanicsville, and add a gymnasium to the Jr./Sr. High School while renovating the current theater in Clarence for wrestling practices.
FAILED
Voters rejected the bond for Junior and Senior High School improvements including a new secure front entry, ADA restrooms, and improved ventilation and electrical systems.
PASSED
Successfully passed the bond for high school additions including classrooms, cafeteria, library and gymnasium, plus creation of a new main entrance on the north side. The measure costs $200,000 homeowners an additional $243 annually and addresses needs at the high school that dates back to 1930.
FAILED
Voters rejected the bond for HVAC, mechanical, electrical and plumbing updates across their two facilities: Starmont High School and Starmont Elementary/Middle School.
FAILED
Voters rejected the bond to update HVAC systems at the middle school and high school, demolish Durant Elementary School, implement safety updates, and improve parking and green spaces at the upper schools.
PASSED
Successfully passed the bond to update Union High School’s HVAC and electrical systems, replace the roof, renovate classrooms and cafeteria, and make safety improvements at elementary schools. This bond was $2 million less than a failed 2024 proposal.
FAILED
Voters rejected the bond for Junior and Senior High School renovations including a new industrial technology wing and commercial kitchen stations for indoor and outdoor cafes. This followed the failure of a much larger $22 million bond the previous year.