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What's the plan header

The proposed plan will improve learning spaces for students at West Branch Community Schools. After reviewing the findings of the physical assessment of all West Branch schools, taking into consideration the results of community surveys and open house feedback, as well as input from students and staff, the facilities committee has recommended a plan that includes an addition to the existing high school for high school students. This will create space to move the middle school students into the current high school. The addition will include 14 new classrooms. It will also include a new district auditorium and entrance dedicated for high school students during the day and the community during events. The project will also add bleachers and locker rooms to the large gym to create a competition gym. General improvements will be made to the existing high school for middle school students.

Below are a conceptual floor plan and design based on the facility committee's proposal. Following a successful bond vote, OPN Architects will embark on a detailed programming and design process, which will refine these initial graphics.

High school renovation floor plan
High School renovation proposed building front

What will I be voting for on September 10?

On Sept. 10, a date predetermined by state law, when voters go to the poll or vote absentee, the ballot will ask three questions.

The first two questions on the ballot work together. The first question describes, in general terms, the type of improvements being proposed and the estimated amount needed to bond in order to complete the project. The second question asks for the ability to levy to fund the project, specifically the ability to levy up to $3.25 per $1,000 of assessed value. Sixty-percent of voters must approve of both questions for the bond to pass.

The third question  is required as a result of legislative action this year. It asks voters to allow the district to continue to use the 1-cent sales tax known as SAVE for facility improvements. This an extension of the existing statement, does not increase property taxes, and requires a simple majority approval.

Question 1

Shall the Board of Directors of the West Branch Community School District in the Counties of Cedar and Johnson, State of Iowa, be authorized to contract indebtedness and issue General Obligation Bonds in an amount not to exceed $19,500,000 to provide funds to build, furnish and equip an addition to (including an auditorium addition) and remodel, repair and improve the high school facility and improve the site?

Question 2

Shall the Board of Directors of the West Branch Community School District in the Counties of Cedar and Johnson, State of Iowa, be authorized to levy annually a tax exceeding Two Dollars and Seventy Cents ($2.70) per Thousand

Dollars ($1,000), but not exceeding Three Dollars and Twenty Five Cents ($3.25) per Thousand Dollars ($1,000) of the assessed value of the taxable property within said school corporation to pay the principal of and interest on bonded indebtedness of said school corporation, it being understood that the approval of this proposition shall not limit the source of payment of the bonds and interest, but shall only operate to restrict the amount of bonds which may be issued?

Question 3

A third question on the ballot — required by recent legislative action — will ask voters to allow the district to continue to use the 1-cent sales tax known as SAVE for facility improvements.

Questions? We have answers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Non-Discrimination Policy

It is the policy of the West Branch Community School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status in its educational programs and its employment practices. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have any questions or a grievance related to this policy please contact the Dave Hlas, Elementary Principal, 148 North Oliphant St., West Branch, IA 52358, 319-643-7211, dhlas@west-branch.k12.ia.us

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