As the election season heats up, a multitude of school districts across Iowa are seeking voter approval for a variety of bond measures and levies. From HVAC upgrades to new school construction, these proposals aim to address the evolving needs of local education systems. The outcomes of these votes will have a significant impact on the future of these communities and the quality of education they can provide.

Empowering Iowa's Schools: A High-Stakes Ballot Battle

AGWSR Community School District Seeks $14.45 Million Bond

The AGWSR Community School District is asking voters to approve a $14.45 million general obligation bond to fund critical infrastructure improvements, including HVAC upgrades, new bus barns, and other building renovations in both Wellsburg and Ackley. If passed, the average homeowner would see a monthly cost of $6 or an annual increase of $72.

Aplington-Parkersburg Community Schools Referendum Rejected

Voters in the Aplington-Parkersburg Community Schools district have rejected a $16.5 million bond referendum, with only 44.4% of the vote in favor, falling short of the required 60% threshold. Had the measure passed, the district would have transitioned to a two-facility model, with Parkersburg Elementary School becoming an Early Learning Center. The statewide one-cent sales tax fund (SAVE) and Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL) would have funded the proposed improvements.

Center Point Urbana Community School District Approves $20.6 Million Bond

In a decisive move, the Center Point Urbana Community School District's voters approved a $20.6 million bond referendum, with 63.4% of the vote in favor. One of the key projects will be the construction of a 600-seat auditorium at the high school, along with enhanced security measures at the primary and middle schools. Notably, the bond proposal will not raise taxes, but rather extend the current debt levy rate of $4.05 per $1,000 of taxable property for an additional 12 years.

Decorah Community School District Passes $38 Million Bond

Voters in the Decorah Community School District have approved a $38 million bond to build a new elementary school, replacing the existing John Cline Elementary School and West Side Early Childhood Center. With 66.7% of the vote in favor, the bond easily surpassed the 60% threshold. Residents of Decorah will see an increase of $2.97 per $100,000 in assessed property value.

East Marshall School District Bond Issue Fails

A $13.5 million bond issue in the East Marshall School District has failed, with only 52.9% of the vote in favor, falling short of the 60% requirement. The bond would have been used to expand the high school in Le Grand and an elementary school in Laurel, providing additional space to accommodate fifth- and sixth-grade students. The proposed tax levy rate increase was less than $3 per $1,000 of taxable property value.

Fairfield Community School District Seeks $38.51 Million Bond

Residents of the Fairfield Community School District will decide on a $38.51 million bond referendum to construct a new middle school building. If approved, the bond would have an estimated tax impact of $2.70 per $1,000 of taxable property value, per year.

Gladbrook-Reinbeck School Bond Referendum Rejected

The Gladbrook-Reinbeck School District's $15 million bond referendum was rejected, with only 50.5% of the vote in favor, falling short of the 60% threshold. The bond would have funded a new classroom addition to the elementary school, replacing the outdated portion of the secondary school building. The average homeowner would have seen a monthly cost of $14.55.

GMG School District Passes $11.65 Million Bond

The GMG School District has passed an $11.65 million bond referendum, with 66.3% of the vote in favor. The bond will fund an addition to the middle/high school in Garwin, replacing the portion of the building constructed in 1925. The district will also levy $4.05 per $1,000 of taxable value for facility improvements to generate the necessary funds.

Hampton-Dumont Community Schools Referendum Rejected

Voters in the Hampton-Dumont Community Schools district have rejected a $17 million bond referendum, with only 54.2% of the vote in favor, falling short of the 60% threshold. The proposed referendum would have resulted in a new auditorium and classrooms, as well as further building improvements, with a tax impact of $2.70 per $1,000 of taxable property value.

Highland Community School District Seeks $15 Million Bond

The Highland Community School District is asking voters to approve a $15 million bond for improved security measures, a new multipurpose building, and additional facility improvements. If the bond passes, the facility improvements will not increase the property tax levy rate.

Johnson County Voters Approve $30 Million Conservation Bond

Johnson County voters have approved a $30 million conservation bond, with 77.8% of the vote in favor. The bond will be used to protect water quality, improve public access to parks and trails, and preserve natural areas. County property taxes will increase by $7.09 annually for every $100,000 of assessed taxable value.

Monticello Community School District Passes $15 Million Bond

The Monticello Community School District's voters have approved a $15 million bond issue to build a new elementary school, replacing Carpenter Elementary School and Shannon Elementary School. With 60.7% of the vote in favor, the bond just barely passed the 60% threshold, resulting in a property tax increase of $1.10 per $1,000 of net taxable value.

Union Community School District Referendum Rejected

The Union Community School District's voters have rejected the district's first-ever bond referendum, with 59.8% of the vote in favor, falling short of the 60% requirement. The $20.5 million bond would have funded security improvements, HVAC system upgrades, bathroom renovations, and the creation of a new common space, with a tax impact of $2.70 per $1,000 of taxable property value.

Waterloo Approves $165 Million High School Merger Plan

Waterloo residents have approved a $165 million high school merger plan, with 59.7% of the vote in favor. The proposal will convert Central Middle School into a new high school building connected to the Waterloo Career Center. The $165 million revenue bonds will be repaid with the statewide 1% sales tax, without raising local property taxes.

Waverly Voters Decide on Two Bond Referendums

Waverly voters faced two separate bond referendums, with mixed results. The first bond, Bond A, a $5.48 million measure to fund the demolition and construction of the Waverly Golf Course clubhouse, failed to pass, receiving only 67.1% of the vote. The second bond, Bond B, an $8.95 million proposal for a new swimming pool, was approved with 70.3% of the vote. The tax impact for property owners with a house assessed at $100,000 would be an annual increase of $56.09 for Bond A and $95.11 for Bond B.

Williamsburg Community School District Rejects $22.3 Million Bond

Voters in the Williamsburg Community School District have decided against a $22.3 million bond issue, with a bare majority approval but falling short of the 60% threshold. The funding would have gone towards a new career and technical center and further building upgrades, with taxpayers paying an additional $2.70 per $1,000 of taxable property.

Buchanan County EMS Levy Fails to Pass

The levy for Buchanan County EMS services failed to pass, with 59.3% of the vote in favor, falling short of the 60% supermajority requirement. The Essential Service levy would have helped cover the costs of ambulances, EMS equipment, and provide stipends to incentivize citizens to join EMS services, with a property tax-assessed value of $0.75 per $1,000 annually.

Butler County EMS Levy Passes

In contrast, the Butler County EMS will receive a boost from an Emergency Medical Services Levy that passed, with 61.5% of the vote in favor. The funding can be used for EMS equipment, vehicles, and training, but not for wages, and is assessed at a property tax value of $0.14 per one-thousand dollars annually.

Tama County EMS Levy Secures Overwhelming Support

Voters in Tama County have approved a levy to help the local EMS with staffing, with 76.6% of the vote in favor. The levy, which will be assessed at $0.75 per $1,000 of valuation, aims to address the dwindling number of volunteers by offering wages to attract more staff.