North Linn schools to get upgrades after $11.5 million bond sails through

COGGON — The North Linn middle and high school building is getting an upgrade next summer after voters overwhelming approved an $11.5 million general obligation bond issue.

In the Tuesday election, 87 percent of the 405 district residents who voted approved the bond issue, which required a supermajority of 60 percent to pass.

The bonds will allow the district to add air conditioning to the building that houses grades 6 through 12. Restrooms will be updated and brought into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and lighting, ceiling tiles, water piping and windows will be replaced.

Construction will take place next summer.

“We are very grateful to the community for their support,” North Linn Superintendent Dave Hoeger said.

During the first week of school, students were released from classes early as temperatures climbed into the 90s. Principal Scott Beaty joked that if his office hadn’t been air-conditioned, students might have been released at 11 a.m. instead of 1:15 p.m. because of the heat.

The bond issue will not increase the school tax property tax rate because the district is paying off the last of its existing bonds — one that built a new elementary — this year.

The district has about 580 students living in Linn, Benton, Buchanan and Delaware counties.

Revenue purpose statement

The revenue purpose statement also passed with 91 percent of the vote Tuesday. It required a simple majority to pass.

The statement allows the district to spend SAVE funds on any lawful purpose. The 1 percent sales tax is collected statewide and can be spent on school infrastructure or to provide property tax relief.

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