On Tuesday, November 5, 2024, voters in the CAM Community School District rejected the bond referendum question on the election ballot.
Following the vote, the unofficial election results are: 697 YES (44.1%) and 884 NO (55.9%).
Despite the results from this referendum, we remain committed to finding acceptable long-term solutions for our facilities that benefit our students, staff, and community residents.
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.
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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?
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.
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.
Renovate the existing locker rooms with new finishes and to be ADA compliant.
Renovate restrooms to be ADA compliant.
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.
Install new ADA compliant bleachers in the existing gymnasium.
Existing bleachers are in poor condition and non-ADA compliant.
Renovate the existing space to meet 21st century curriculum requirements.
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.
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!
Anita HS/MS // 6-8 PM
Massena Elementary // 6-8 PM
Cumberland Community Center // 6-8 PM
Anita HS/MS // 6-8 PM
Anita HS/MS // 6-8 PM
1.
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.
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.
The district can currently maintain its facilities; however, long-term financial challenges are projected. The referendum aims to provide opportunities for reducing the operating budget and consolidating resources to help address these challenges.
4.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
