Center Point-Urbana schools taking $20.6M bond to voters in November

The Center Point-Urbana Community School District is taking a $20.6 million school bond referendum to district voters in November — during a presidential election year — that if approved would fund facility needs, including enhancing safety and security at schools.

Among projects that would be funded by the referendum include improvements to the elementary and middle school and a new auditorium with seating for 600, weight room and multipurpose space at the high school and improvements to athletic facilities.

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The district also would use revenue from the voter-approved Physical Plant and Equipment Levy and statewide 1-cent sales tax called Secure an Advanced Vision for Education to fund phase 1 of the facility plan, which includes ongoing maintenance projects like roof repairs and HVAC updates.

Both funds can be used by school districts for capital projects including the purchase and improvement of grounds, construction and remodeling of buildings and major equipment purchases.

Phase 2 of the facility plan would be funded through the bond, which would include projects like safety and security upgrades and the auditorium.

If approved, the bond referendum would not increase the debt service levy for homeowners in the school district. The current debt service rate is $4.05 per $1,000.

The tax rate for homeowners in the school district. The current school levy rate is $17.78 per $1,000 of taxable property value.

In Iowa, at least 60 percent of voters within a school district’s boundaries must vote for the bond — basically, loans that schools take out typically for 10, 15 or 20 years — for it to pass. The voters would agree to repay the loan with interest through property taxes.

The election is Nov. 5.

As of July 1, 2023, in Iowa, all special elections for bonds must be held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. School districts taking general obligation bond referendums to voters this fall will be tasked with educating more voters as a higher turnout is expected in a presidential election.

Three other Eastern Iowa school districts also are taking multimillion bond issues to voters this November in the hopes of winning approval to addressing facility needs. These schools are Williamsburg, Highland and Decorah.

What are the projects?

The proposed auditorium, which includes 600 seats, a stage and backstage support, would be the largest cost in the proposed bond coming to about $9.5 million. A shared lobby and restroom with about 2,500 square feet would cost up to $1.5 million.

The creation of a secure entrance and roof repairs at the elementary and middle school would be about a $1.75 million project. The secure entrance would require people entering the school during the day to check in in the main office to ensure they are supposed to be there before they enter the building, according to the district’s facility plan website.

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Once school starts, the interior doors would lock, leaving anyone who enters the building no choice but to check in at the front office. The proposed plan would reorient the administration to have better eyes on the front of the building to see who is approaching.

A new weight room and multipurpose practice space would cost between $3.75 and $4.25 million. Upgrades to athletic facilities, including baseball and softball fields and the concession stand, would cost an estimated $4 million.

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning updates would be made to the prekindergarten rooms at the intermediate school and HVAC improvements at the middle and high school.

If approved, construction would begin in spring 2027.

The facility plan was created through a multiyear review of the district’s facilities and consideration of multiple project options. The district worked with Invision Architecture to provide a facility assessment and project consultation.

The process included a creation of a task force and engagement with staff, parents, community members and representatives of the local business community.

Comments: (319) 398-8411; grace.king@thegazette.com