On November 5th, individuals across Iowa can shape the future of education in their communities by voting yes on proposed bond referendums. For school districts seeking to modernize aging facilities, a 60% approval from voters is required to move forward with these essential upgrades. INVISION is working with five schools facing these critical votes this fall. Many of these schools, built in the early 20th century, no longer support the dynamic needs of today’s students. Modernizing these buildings will provide spaces designed to foster a higher quality of education. Read on to discover the specific needs of these schools and get details on upcoming community meetings where you can learn more and ask questions.
Five K-12 School Projects Heading to Bond Votes
October 07, 2024
Center Point-Urbana Community School District
The first phase of improvements for the Center Point-Urbana Community School District is funded by PPEL and SAVE revenue. It focuses on roof repairs, HVAC updates, and enhancements at the primary, middle, and high schools. Phase II, supported by general obligation bonds, includes the construction of a new auditorium, weight room, and multipurpose space. Additionally, secure entrance sequences will be added to the primary and middle schools to enhance student safety, reconfiguring administrative areas for better visibility and control. These upgrades stem from a multi-year facility review process in collaboration with INVISION and input from staff, parents, and the local community.
Center Point-Urbana Community Meetings
October 28
CPU High School Library
6:00 p.m.
Calamus-Wheatland Community School District
Calamus-Wheatland is planning a series of improvements at both the elementary and high schools to enhance educational spaces and ensure student safety. At the elementary school, upgrades will focus on modernizing mechanical systems, improving the kitchen, and refreshing the commons area. For the high school, the project includes security upgrades, window and flooring replacements, art room and fine arts enhancements, and audio improvements in the gymnasium. Additionally, a new high school addition would provide a connected corridor, new classrooms, a Career and Tech Lab, and outdoor workspaces, creating a dynamic learning environment for students.
Calamus-Wheatland Community Meetings
October 22Calamus-Wheatland High School
5:30 p.m.
Aplington-Parkersburg Community School District
The Aplington-Parkersburg Community School District has developed a plan to modernize its facilities to enhance student safety and support 21st-century learning. The school in Aplington, originally built in the 1950s, would be renovated into a PK‑6 facility with improved security, updated systems, energy-efficient lighting, modernized classrooms, and a relocated media center. A new bus lane would enhance drop-off safety. The high school in Parkersburg would transition to a 7 – 12 facility, with expanded Career and Technical Education spaces for hands-on training in fields like agriculture and industrial technology. Parkersburg Elementary would remain open, potentially becoming an Early Learning Center. Additional benefits of the proposal include fewer student transitions, reduced staff travel, and better collaboration between elementary and secondary staff.
Aplington-Parkersburg Community Meetings
October 22
A‑P High School
6:00 p.m.
October 23
Peppercorn Pantry
2:00 p.m.
October 29
Parkersburg Public Library
1:00 p.m.
Marshalltown Community School District
B.R. Miller Middle School, originally opened in 1925 as Marshalltown High School, has proudly served the community for nearly a century. However, today’s educational needs present significant challenges, including small, outdated classrooms, narrow stairwells and entryways that don’t meet code, and outdated mechanical systems. The school also faces issues like limited space in the administration and nurse areas, moisture concerns, an undersized main entrance, and inefficient parking. Despite these challenges, reimagining Miller instead of building new, offers a sustainable solution, preserving its central location, valuable amenities, and strong structural foundation, ensuring it continues to serve future generations in new and modern ways.
Marshalltown Community Meetings
Community members are encouraged to tour Miller Middle School in person ahead of the bond referendum vote on November 5. Dave Glenn and Kristyn Kell, co-principals at Miller Middle School, will be available to guide visitors and answer questions each Wednesday until election day. Tours will begin at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., and visitors must first check in at the middle school office.
Earlham Community School District
Since 2020, the Earlham Community School District has taken a careful approach to facility planning by engaging the community to shape a shared vision for the future. After a professional facility assessment and input from a stakeholders committee, a bond referendum is being proposed to fund improvements that address rising enrollment and enhance educational spaces. If approved, the bond would fund three phases: a new Career Academy to support skilled trade programs, repurposing current Ag and Industrial Technology spaces for middle school classrooms, and a new athletic practice facility.
Earlham Community Meetings
October 23
Earlham Auditorium
6:00 p.m.
