The Charles City School Board has approved petition language to place a bond referendum question to stakeholders on March 7, 2023.
In a letter to school district families, Superintendent Dr. Anne Lundquist writes, “If voters approve the proposed $27.6 million bond, the district would move ahead to address the most significant facility needs at Charles City High School. This includes upgrades to the building’s safety and security systems, the addition of 21st century learning spaces by revitalizing the outdated “circlesâ€. Upgrades to heating and ventilation units, the addition of air conditioning, and updates to the special education areas are also included. The project would also add a new, 800-seat auditorium.â€
Dr. Lundquist adds, “The (school) board has taken a “no-frills†approach to this project. It has analyzed the results of our most recent community-wide survey, which indicated our community members are interested in and engaged in this important issue. The district looks to address the most critical needs over an 18 month period.â€Â
To get on the ballot in March, the petition would require the signatures of at least 25% of the voters present for the last school election, which was the school Board elections in November of 2021. The number of signatures needed is estimated at around 500.
You can read Dr. Lundquist’s complete letter below:
Bond Referendum Petition Language
Dear Families,
After months of work and the input and engagement of community members, the Charles City School Board has approved petition language to place a bond referendum question to stakeholders on March 7, 2023.
If voters approve the proposed $27.6 million bond, the district would move ahead to address the most significant facility needs at Charles City High School. This includes upgrades to the building’s safety and security systems, the addition of 21st century learning spaces by revitalizing the outdated “circlesâ€. In addition, upgrades to the heating and ventilation units, the addition of air conditioning, and updates to the special education areas are also included. The project would also add a new, 800-seat auditorium.
The board has taken a “no-frills†approach to this project. In doing so, it has analyzed the results of our most recent community-wide survey, which indicated our community members are interested in and engaged in this important issue. To that end, the district looks to address the most critical needs, outlined above, which were identified by our students, staff, and community members over an 18 month period.
The estimated property tax impact of an approved bond would be $2.70 per year on every $1,000 of taxable property value. For example, a home assessed at $150,000, would result in a property tax increase of about $206.13 per year, or $17.18 per month.
Families can learn more about the project and find answers to frequently asked questions at www.charlescitybond.org.
The time has come to address the facility needs to ensure students continue to have access to the resources and spaces they need to be successful at Charles City High School. The community will continue to be actively involved around this important issue in the weeks ahead.
The petition language approved on November 28, is as follows:
Shall the Board of Directors of the Charles City Community School District in the Counties of Chickasaw and Floyd, State of Iowa, be authorized to contract indebtedness and issue General Obligation Bonds in an amount not to exceed $27,635,000 to provide funds to construct an auditorium addition to the High School Building and to renovate, remodel, repair, improve, expand, furnish and equip portions of the existing High School Building, including theater and gymnasium spaces, all common spaces, classrooms, HVAC and electrical systems, administrative office spaces, and security improvements, and to improve the site?
We look forward to sharing more updates as this process moves forward. As always, thank you for your support of the Charles City Community Schools and the students we serve.
Sincerely,
Anne M. Lundquist, Superintendent
