Building a New Foundation: GMG Community School District Set for Lasting Legacy with Successful Referendum

On Tuesday, November 5, 2024, voters in the GMG Community School District considered a one-question bond referendum in the amount of $12,300,000. Following the vote, the unofficial election results are 654 YES (66.3%) and 332 NO (33.7%).

Superintendent Chris Petersen expressed his gratitude to the community for their support:

“We are excited to announce the successful passage of this referendum, allowing us to replace the outdated portion of the Middle School/High School with a new, fully ADA-compliant 22,000 square foot building. This upgrade includes modern electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems, as well as a new commons area and media center. These improvements will create a safe and inclusive learning environment that supports the needs of all our students.”

Next steps include continued design and engineering work with our project partner SitelogIQ.

The district will continue to keep the community informed on the progress of current and future facility projects.

New Foundation - Lasting Legacy

The GMG School Board has called for a referendum election on November 5, 2024, presenting voters with one question; to authorize general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $12,300,000 in order to build an addition on the middle/high school to replace the 1925 portion of the building.

WHY NOW?

TAX IMPACT

VOTING INFO

RESOURCES

FAQs

Official Ballot Question

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Shall the Board of Directors of the GMG Community School District in the Counties of Tama and Marshall, State of Iowa, be authorized to contract indebtedness and issue General Obligation Bonds in an amount not to exceed $12,300,000 to provide funds to build, furnish, and equip a classroom addition to the middle school/high school, with related remodeling and improvements and related site improvements, including parking; to remodel, repair, and improve its existing middle school/high school, including life safety systems and ADA improvements?

Project Details

Replace the 1925 portion of the Middle School/High School with a new 22,000 sq ft 2-story structure

The new addition includes the following project components:

Fully ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant
- - ADA compliant restrooms in schools are essential for promoting inclusivity, ensuring legal compliance, fostering a safe and respectful environment, and enabling individuals with disabilities to fully participate in school activities. They contribute to a more equitable and supportive educational experience for everyone.
  - Maintaining ADA compliance for doors in our school is essential for promoting inclusivity, ensuring safety, meeting legal obligations, and creating a positive and accessible learning environment for everyone. It is an investment in the well-being and success of all members of the school community
New electrical system

Upgrading outdated electrical systems in schools is a strategic investment that enhances safety, reliability, cost saving energy efficiency, and technological capabilities, all contributing to an improved learning environment for students and a positive image within the community.

New plumbing
Efficient HVAC System
- - New heating
  - New cooling
  - New fresh air ventilation

Proper ventilation in schools is crucial for promoting the health, safety, and well-being of students, teachers, and staff. It creates a conducive environment for learning, prevents the spread of illnesses, and contributes to overall comfort and productivity. Investing in proper ventilation is an investment in the long-term success of the school community.

LED Lighting
- - LED fixtures are optimized to provide the best lighting for the learning environment as well as reduced operating and maintenance costs
New open Commons space
Updated Media Center space
- - A new modern media center provides students with resources and technology to improve teaching and learning. The new media center space will provide additional collaboration space, breakout space, and technology to support student learning opportunities.

OPEN HOUSE EVENTS

We’re excited to invite you to an informational session, building tour, and/or town hall, 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.

Tuesday, October 1 (Informational Session)

6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

Green Mountain Elementary School Cafeteria

Monday, October 7 (Building Tour & Informational Session)

6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

Garwin Secondary School Lower Gym

Thursday, October 24 (Town Hall)

7:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Garwin Secondary School Lower Gym

Why Not Reinvest in the 1925 Building?

Explore the photos below by hovering over the image and clicking the arrows on the left or right side

The 1925 portion of our High School/Middle School has severe issues with its ADA accessibility, building infrastructure (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems), and overall security.

In the past three years, the District has spent over $500,000 on insurance claims related to the 1925 building’s failing infrastructure, including plumbing issues and asbestos abatement. These problems have also led to higher insurance premiums and the risk of losing our insurance coverage.

Although the 1925 building has served its purpose well over the years, investing in its renovation is too costly in the long run. Remodeling would reduce the space available for educational programs due to the need for ADA and other code-required updates that require additional space.

This referendum project will address these issues, allowing us to redirect the operational savings into educational programs that benefit students.

FIND MORE INFO ⇨

Conceptual Renderings & Floor Plans

Proposed Rendering

Proposed Floor Plan: Ground Level

Proposed Floor Plan: Second Level

Proposed Site Plan

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