FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The school board will choose the project contractors through an open bidding process. They will weigh cost, experience, and location from qualified companies to make the best choices for the project.

When costs are estimated at this stage of the process, they are based off industry-wide database information that construction companies use (i.e. Mortenson, RS Means, etc.), similar recently completed work by our partners, and at times, conversations with specific suppliers/contractors for specialized work. An industry-wide escalator is used to account for inflation and construction increases for work that would be scheduled out a year or more. If the referendum passes, bids are solicited from qualified companies by the school board and contractor/supplier decisions are made by the board.

The School District is legally obligated to only use referendum funds as stated in the ballot language. 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 use of referendum funds. The independent auditor then turns over the audit information to the state of Iowa. The referendum project expenses would be a part of the annual audit until all funds are spent.

The size and cost of the projects proposed in this referendum exceed the capacity of the school district's annual operating budget. While the district has effectively managed general upkeep and smaller projects over the years, larger initiatives such as roof replacements and HVAC systems typically require additional funding. Similar to how homeowners may seek loans for significant renovations, school districts often require a school building bond, which requires voter approval.

We pride ourselves on being a district families want to enroll in and be part of.  While open enrollment families do not pay local taxes (they pay in their home district), each non-resident student brings their full state aid with them. Attracting more students from both within our district and from neighboring areas can benefit our overall funding and resources.

SitelogIQ was selected for its fixed-cost model and its comprehensive range of in-house professional services, including engineering, architecture, construction management, project management, and community engagement. This structure allows for efficient and cost-effective coordination of the various professional services needed for the proposed projects. If the referendum passes, all equipment and construction/installation labor will be bid and contracted for by the school board.

In short, no. There has been no discussion about closing any buildings. Wellsburg is a major part in the success and future of AGWSR. In a letter to AGWSR families and its communities in July 2024, the board reiterated its commitment to all of its facilities. The school board is reviewing the current elementary grade configurations to enhance the educational experience for students and to maintain financial stability. Any potential future grade configuration changes would not cause the closure of any AGWSR facility.

Additionally:

1. Over the past 3 years, the district has spent approximately $7.5 million on updates and upgrades to the Wellsburg building including:

   • • HVAC, Electrical, Windows, Fire Alarm etc.

     • Building wide flooring and furniture

     • Gym upgrades - Paint, scoreboards, hoops/backstops

     • Roof replacement

     • Parking lot replacement

2. The district needs the Wellsburg facility for the classroom space and athletic spaces. There is not capacity in Ackley to provide what already exists in Wellsburg.

3. Even if there was a desire to close any building in the district and consolidate into one city – which there is not - the cost involved with building a new facility would likely be more than twice the cost of the current $14.45 million referendum, which would exceed the district’s bond capacity set by the state of Iowa and be financially prohibitive.

Iowa's Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL) is a school funding method used to support infrastructure and equipment needs in public schools. It allows school districts to levy property taxes or issue bonds to raise money for the maintenance, repair, and improvement of school facilities, as well as for purchasing technology, transportation equipment, and other physical assets. The funds from PPEL cannot be used for general operational expenses like teacher salaries or classroom supplies. PPEL funds generally are not large enough to pay for large scale projects such as additions, new HVAC systems, or roof replacement.  

AGWSR PPEL revenue fluctuates each year and is often spent on routine expenditures. For instance, the total PPEL revenue for fiscal year 2024 was $1,018,961 and has been spent on items such as:

• $136,835 New Bus

• $73,432 Furniture and Fixtures

• $288,574 Computer/Technology Hardware (computers, iPads, Chromebooks, internet service, Infinite Campus software, etc.)

• $171,233.84 Equipment (gym painting, boiler/HVAC replacement parts, chair lift, Wellsburg gym upgrades, etc.)

• $60,951 Infrastructure (roofing repairs, tuckpointing, sewer line repair)

Yes. The school board requested that a cross section of community members, representing multiple communities, ages, and professions, meet to learn about the school facilities and make a recommendation. 15 people met 5 times for a total of 10 hours between April and May 2024 to review engineering reports, tour the facilities, and meet with the district’s financial advisor. At the conclusion, the task force presented their consensus recommendation on a path forward to the school board. The scope and cost of the referendum is reflective of the task force's recommendation.