Bond Vote Set For Sept. 11

On September 11th, voters in the Linn-Mar district will be asked to consider a plan that calls for the construction of two 5th-6th grade intermediate buildings. The intermediate schools will provide desperately needed space for nine of the district’s schools.

The bond is part of the district’s 10-year facilities master plan to strategically address existing and long-term capacity issues in the rapidly-growing district. Enrollment at the school district has increased from 5,267 to nearly 7,800 students since 2005. Several of the district’s elementary and middle schools are near or over capacity as a result of the sustained growth.

If the $55 million general obligation bond is approved by a 60 percent majority of voters, the property tax rate would increase $0.65 on every $1,000 of taxable value. The increase equates to approximately $5.91 a month in additional property taxes for the owner of a $200,000 home.

In addition to constructing two intermediate schools, the district will restructure to a new grade format — PK/K-4; 5-6; 7-8; and 9-12 — for the 2020-21 school year.

The district’s long-term plans are dependent upon continued growth in the district, economic conditions in the community, and additional variables — such as the extension of the SAVE fund — that dictate the district’s timeline.

The community is invited to attend one of two open houses in August to learn about the bond and long-term plans. The first open house will be held at Indian Creek Elementary on Wednesday, August 15th from 5:00 – 6:30 pm. The second open house will be held at Bowman Woods Elementary on Tuesday, August 28th from 6:30 – 8:00 pm. Members of the Linn-Mar Board of Education and Superintendent Shannon Bisgard will be there to explain the facilities plan and Sept. 11 referendum.

Questions about the bond can be sent to vote@linnmar.k12.ia.us