Referendum: Frequently Asked Questions

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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Why now?

The district has been a good steward of taxpayer resources and has been working to address routine maintenance as it arises.  However, when equipment age is beyond its intended life expectancy, it is more cost effective to replace it with updated and more efficient systems.  That time has come for much of the equipment in our schools.  Additionally, changes and advances in education require a different approach to teaching and learning today and we need to ensure that our facilities are up to date to meet the changing needs of teachers and students.

How were the needs determined?

We started with an in-depth review of all our facilities, including details such as indoor air quality, CO2 levels, light & noise levels, adequacy of learning environments, safety, etc.  An independent engineering firm did this review and presented findings to the Board.

I have not heard of this referendum until now, how long has the Board talked about the needs of the school district?

In the Fall of 2020, North Linn Community School District leadership recognized the need to do work on the aging unit ventilators (heating and cooling systems) at the middle and high schools.  A comprehensive facility assessment study, from the rooftops to the pavement, was conducted by SitelogIQ.  The study included information about the life expectancy of the current equipment and infrastructure, indoor air quality, temperature and humidity, lighting, acoustics, and utility usage.  Results from the study were presented to the school board in May of 2021.  It was determined that several infrastructure needs should be addressed. Recognizing the importance of updating the aging facilities and creating an efficient and complete scope of work, the school board worked internally and with SitelogIQ to arrive at the current scope of planning.   
 
In June of 2021, the North Linn School Board approved a referendum resolution, which is the official action taken to place a bond referendum question on the September 14, 2021, Special Election ballot.

What projects are included in the referendum?

The bond project is focused on a new heating, cooling and ventilation system components in the high school and middle school classrooms.  The current ventilation units are 30 years beyond their life expectancy and are failing to provide adequate ventilation and comfort in the classrooms for staff and students.  

Details of the project plans include: 

• Replace all unit ventilators in the middle and high schools.  
• Remodeling of the high school science and FACS (Family and Consumer Science) classrooms. 
• Ceiling tile system replacement in the middle and high schools.  
• Installation of new LED fixtures in the middle and high schools. 
• Window replacement in the high school. 
• Roof improvements at the Middle School building.  
• Create ADA compliant student restrooms in the high school.  
• Upgrade electrical distribution system at the high school. 
• Domestic water pipe replacement at the high school. 

Why doesn’t the district use SAVE or PPEL funds for this project?

North Linn CSD does not currently plan to use SAVE or PPEL funds to pay for any of the improvements listed in our bond referendum.  We have a set of needs that are already being funded using those dollars as detailed below.  The list of improvements needed in our buildings is long.  Not using SAVE or PPEEL funds to pay for the referendum debt allows us to make other improvements like flooring and furniture when it becomes necessary.

SAVE revenues have averaged around $616,000 annually in the last 4 years. The District currently has a Sales Tax Revenue Bond that was used to construct the elementary building and those debt payments are paid out of our SAVE funds.  That payment uses about 75% of SAVE revenues annually.  We spend another 13% annually on technology like computers and iPads for students and staff.  We do not typically spend the entire amount annually so that we have a reserve in the event there is an unexpected large need in one year.

PPEL revenues have averaged around $404,000 annually in the last 4 years.  Roughly 75% of these funds are used to pay for routine building repairs/maintenance.  The other 25% is spent on purchasing new busses, vehicles and equipment for the district as well as purchasing servers and internet connections.  Again, we do not typically spend 100% of the money in one year to build a reserve for emergency repairs that may come up.

How will the new improvements impact learning?

Numerous studies show that a healthy, efficient, and comfortable educational environment has a direct impact on student achievement.  This referendum addresses several environmental issues in the current school buildings, including heating systems; air conditioning; temperature control; air quality & ventilation; lighting; and sound - all of which contribute to a better environment for teaching and learning.

I have heard taxes are not anticipated to increase with this bond referendum, is that true?

Yes, because of careful planning and early repayment of a previous bond debt, approval of this $11.5 million bond referendum is not anticipated to impact the current district’s portion of your property tax rate.

How do I get more information?

You can get more information at the referendum web page. You can also check the district's website and social media accounts for more information; or contact the Superintendent's office.

Are there going to be public meetings?

Yes, two public meetings or open houses are currently scheduled for:

• Thursday, September 2nd from 6:00PM until 7:30PM during the volleyball game at North Linn High School 
• Friday, September 10th from 5:30PM until 7:00PM prior to the varsity football game at North Linn High School

Come any time during the night to hear about the project, ask questions, and take a tour.

I own property in the district but do not live in the district, can I vote in this election?

No, you must be a resident and live in the district to vote.

Are there cost savings for doing everything at the same time?

Anytime significant renovation work is completed, there are efficiencies and cost savings in completing several projects at once.  For instance, when heating and ventilating systems are updated, often the ceilings in classrooms must be removed to access and replace the associated mechanical systems.  While the ceiling is already removed, projects to update electrical and lighting infrastructure can be done at a lower cost as opposed to coming back and doing this later.  In addition, construction cost inflation only continues to increase each year.

If the referendum passes, when will the project be completed?

Project scheduling logistics are currently being worked on.  Many variables affect the timing of completion when considering all buildings will have work being completed.  Items that need to be considered include contractor availability, storage for classroom furniture and equipment, and new equipment and material lead times.
How will this benefit our community?

The community made investments in new schools for students decades ago. Now is the time to reinvest to maintain this investment.  Our students are our future.  Investing in their success is key to the vitality of our community.  The district is focused on responsible growth and quality services provided for students and families. Quality schools stimulate local businesses as well as contribute to population growth & sustainability.

Where do I vote?

Polls will be open from 7AM to 8 PM on September 14th. There are three voting locations.

Benton and Linn County
North Linn High School
3033 Lynx Drive
Troy Mills, Iowa

Buchanan County
Rowley Community Center
109 Ely Street
Rowley, Iowa

Delaware County
Ryan City Hall
405 Franklin Street
Ryan, Iowa

Where can I get an absentee ballot?

Absentee ballots can be cast in person at the county auditor's office or can be requested to be mailed to your home.  All information regarding absentee balloting can be found on the Iowa Secretary of State's website.

How can we be sure the dollars are spent as promised?

Separate line-item accounting records must be kept for all bond related expenses to ensure the funds are being used legally and appropriately.  The School District's finances are audited annually including the use of referendum funds.  The referendum project expenses would be a part of the annual audit until all funds are spent.