Charles City School Board Pumps Brakes on $4 Million Infrastructure Bonding
The Charles City School Board is “pumping the brakes” on $4 million in bonding to help pay for infrastructure upgrades to the High School.
The original building has not had any major improvements since it was built over 60 years ago, which was pointed out by former Charles City ag teacher and FFA advisor, Jim Lundberg, during the public comment portion of Monday (01.13) night’s School Board. Lundberg, who was with the school district for 40 years, said he is also as old as the High School itself.
The latest proposal to address infrastructure needs is issuing $4 million in bonds to fund HVAC and electrical improvements, plumbing in the Art Room, and bathrooms for ADA Compliance. Board member David Schrodt countered they are not short-term solutions while pointing out future unknowns..
After a $28.5 million bond referendum to address needed building improvements failed to pass in November 2023, school leaders have looked at different ways to tackle and finance the issues. School Board president Bruce Koebrick said that has not been easy.
Monday night’s agenda included possible action on setting a public hearing on the bonding proposal for February 10th. However, Board vice-president Josh Mack motioned to table the issue for additional review, with Board members Kathryn Fox and Dara Jaeger joining Mack in a 3-2 vote over Koebrick and Schrodt to table the measure for the time being.
