BOND REFERENDUM 2024
CAM Community School District calls for an election on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, presenting voters with one question; to authorize general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $22,500,000 for facility infrastructure and learning environment improvements.
Official Ballot Question
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Shall the Board of Directors of the CAM Community School District in the Counties of Cass, Audubon, Adair, and Adams, State of Iowa, be authorized to contract indebtedness and issue General Obligation Bonds in an amount not to exceed $22,500,000 to provide funds to construct, furnish and equip a classroom addition to the High School building; to remodel, repair, improve, furnish and equip exterior and interior portions of the existing High School building, including mechanical, electrical, and fire systems improvements, secure entry improvements, and technology and security improvements; and improve the site?
PROJECT SUMMARY
Paid for by using Bond Referendum Funds
New Classroom Addition
Add a new 28,400 sf addition.
In order to accommodate elementary students in the current Anita building.
The addition will include general classrooms, Special Education spaces, and restrooms.
Paid for by using Existing Cash
⚠️ ($0) NO additional tax impact
⚠️ ($0) NO additional tax impact
New Commons / Multipurpose Addition
Add a new 8,800 sf addition.
The addition will include additional commons space, a new secure entry, restrooms and multi-purpose room.
The existing administration space will be renovated and have the existing science room included in its layout.
The digital media room will be renovated back into a science room.
Locker Rooms Renovation
Renovate the existing locker rooms with new finishes and to be ADA compliant.
Restroom Renovations / Stage Lift
Renovate restrooms to be ADA compliant.
Paid for by using SAVE Bond Funds
⚠️ ($0) NO additional tax impact
New CTE Addition
Add a new 6,200 sf addition to bring the Career and Technical Education program on campus.
This addition will include shop areas, classrooms, restrooms, and storage space.
New Bleachers in Gymnasium
Install new ADA compliant bleachers in the existing gymnasium.
Existing bleachers are in poor condition and non-ADA compliant.
Media Center Renovation
Renovate the existing space to meet 21st century curriculum requirements.
New Parking Area
When the new classroom addition is added, additional parking will be needed.
A new elementary student bus drop-off will be added along with a new entry plaza at the new main entry.
With consolidation of two schools, more parking space is needed at the existing high school building.
OPEN HOUSE INF0 EVENTS
We’re excited to invite you to a series of informational sessions and/or building tours offering valuable insights into the upcoming 2024 referendum election. These events provide a great opportunity for community members to engage with district leadership and ask questions about the November 5, 2024 referendum. WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!
Wednesday, September 25
Anita HS/MS // 6-8 PM
Monday, September 30
Massena Elementary // 6-8 PM
Monday, October 7
Cumberland Community Center // 6-8 PM
Tuesday, October 8
Anita HS/MS // 6-8 PM
Thursday, October 17
Anita HS/MS // 6-8 PM
10 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
1.
Long-Term Sustainability
The intent behind the bond referendum and associated projects is to address the district's declining enrollment and rising costs, proposing a consolidated to a single school in order to maintain sustainability for future generations.
2.
One Campus, Four Communities
Consolidating all students to a single campus provides an opportunity that is intended to create a more efficient and enhanced educational experience for students while reducing operational costs.
3.
Financial Considerations
While the district can maintain its current facilities in the short term, long-term financial challenges could arise based on current financial projections. The referendum seeks to proactively address these potential issues, which could result in the closure of the CAM Community School District altogether.
4.
Future Uncertainty
If the referendum fails, the district may be forced to dissolve, resulting in higher taxes as neighboring districts would absorb students. Passing the bond keeps taxes lower and maintains control local.
5.
Community Input
The proposal is based on extensive community input and financial analysis, with a task force of community members representing each of our four communities helping to develop the plan represented in this referendum.
6.
Enhanced Educational Opportunities
The intent of a single campus is to improve resource allocation across all grade levels and provide more and enhanced opportunities for students, particularly in key areas like Career and Technical Education.
7.
Keeping CAM Local
Passing the bond referendum helps preserve CAM’s identity and keeps the decisions regarding education within the community, instead of being absorbed by other districts with higher tax rates.
8.
Improved Facilities
The bond will fund critical improvements, including modernizing the campus to meet the needs of today’s students, ensuring a safe and effective learning environment the students deserve.
9.
Future Impact
This referendum represents a decision that will influence the district’s direction for years to come and impact future generations of students and the community. Your voice and vote in this process is an important part of determining this direction.
10.
Your Vote MATTERS
Voting in this referendum is important. The outcome will directly impact the future of the CAM School District, the local community, and the education of our children.
RENDERINGS & FLOOR PLANS
Rendering
Floor Plan
Site Plan
A PLAN COMES TOGETHER!
The bond referendum represents an opportunity to help the CAM School District maintain its sustainability for future generations. With declining enrollment and rising costs, managing multiple buildings poses significant fiscal challenges in the long term.
This solution aims to invest in the future longevity of our schools, focusing on enhancing our facilities to benefit students and staff while considering the financial impact on residents.
We have prioritized engaging our community throughout the planning process, gathering insights from community members across all areas of the district. Feedback from these efforts, and responses from a district-wide survey, has played a key role in shaping this referendum.
THANK YOU to everyone who participated. Your contributions have been valuable in developing a plan that reflects diverse perspectives within our community.