Clear Creek Amana to get new elementary school in Coralville

Correction: The bond passed by 75.6 percent. The previous percentage published did not include voters from Iowa County.

OXFORD — A new elementary school will be built in Coralville in the Clear Creek Amana Community School District after voters approved a bond issue Tuesday of up to $65 million to fund construction.

The new two-story elementary school would be larger than the district’s other schools to accommodate 600 students, according to the district. It could be open by the 2024-25 school year.

Voters passed the bond referendum by 75.6 percent. Bond referendums require a 60 percent supermajority “yes” vote to pass. Only 8.87 percent of voters — 790 people — cast ballots.

The district’s total tax levy rate will not increase as a result of the bond. It will be maintained at the current tax levy of 17.059 for Johnson County and 17.26 for Iowa County, according to a district news release.

The new elementary school will accommodate enrollment growth on the eastern side of the school district. It will redistribute overcrowding from other elementary buildings and support the district’s long-term goals to support neighborhood schools, reduce transportation costs and retain small class sizes.

With Tiffin, North Liberty and Coralville recognized as three of the fastest-growing cities in Iowa, the school district estimates growing enrollment of 150 to 200 students per year. The 10-year enrollment outlook estimates 300 to 350 students per grade level.

Tiffin Elementary and North Bend Elementary will be over capacity by the 2023-24 school year, according to a news release from the district.

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