LE MARS COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
SCHOOL FACILITY BOND REFERENDUM
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2024
Embedded Files
*Conceptual plan only. Not a final design.
On November 5, 2024, Le Mars Community School District voters will be asked to consider a general obligation bond of up to $49.97 million to fund building a new PreK-5th grade Elementary School to serve all of the District's elementary school students.
The proposed new school will be located on District-owned land. The school design process will occur upon a successful bond vote.
Note: This is an early conceptual image, not a final image. Building layout and site placement will be determined, with significant input, during design planning.
A New PreK-5th Grade Elementary School
A New PreK-5th Grade Elementary School
The new 151,000 square foot PreK-5th grade Elementary School would serve all elementary students and be located on District-owned land adjacent to the middle/high school. The new school would include:
Appropriately sized classrooms with flexible furniture for large and small group instruction
Classrooms and support spaces to meet the needs of the District's current enrollment, with flexibility to accommodate growth
Separate wings/pods for younger and older grade levels
Secure entrance and recommended safety features
Support spaces for individual learning and confidential meetings
A dedicated cafeteria
Three- station competition gymnasium
Dedicated space for art and music classes
Outdoor recess space and playground
New energy-efficient systems
COMMUNITY INFORMATIONAL MEETINGS
COMMUNITY INFORMATIONAL MEETINGS
Learn more about the challenges of the current schools, planning process, and future needs of the District.
SEPTEMBER 19- 6:00 P.M: Clark Elementary Gym, 2nd Ave NW, Le Mars
SEPTEMBER 23- 6:00 P.M: Kluckhohn Elementary Gym, 1338 Central Ave S, Le Mars
SEPTEMBER 30- 6:00 P.M: Franklin Elementary Gym, 400 3rd Ave SE, Le Mars
WHY A NEW SCHOOL?
WHY A NEW SCHOOL?
The District is operating three aging elementary schools, which results in duplications in staffing and resources.
A facility assessment identified the major building systems (heating, electrical, and plumbing) at all three existing schools are operating beyond their service life. In fact, Clark and Franklin Elementary Schools were both built in 1939 and have portions of their building systems that are original, resulting in ongoing repairs and parts no longer available.
Due to their age, the building systems and building envelope are inefficient and expensive to operate.
The three elementary schools have a combined $26.5 million in needed facility updates. Even if completed, the education spaces are not designed for current teaching structure.
The existing schools have a shared gym/cafeteria, requiring staff to set up and take down tables each day. This also impacts class and teacher scheduling. Combining all elementary students to one school allows for balancing of class sizes and better utilization of resources, staff, and supplies.
All three elementary schools are operating beyond capacity. This means crowded classrooms and using spaces not designed for learning.
CLARK ELEMENTARY
CLARK ELEMENTARY
Clark Elementary still uses an old steam heating system, which is inefficient, and replacement parts are no longer available.
FRANKLIN ELEMENTARY
FRANKLIN ELEMENTARY
The plumbing and heating systems have components that are more than 80 years old, requiring ongoing repair.
Currently operating 119 students over recommended capacity.
Additional Projects in District's Long-Range Plan
In addition to building a new elementary school, the District has identified the following high priority projects to complete in the coming years utilizing (SAVE dollars) sales tax revenue funding:
Updates/ Expansion to Career and Technical Education Spaces
Increased safety features at the middle/ high school
Updates to the bus facility
Aligns with the Community Economic Development Plan to ensure a quality education system. The current schools have no ability to support additional students, if enrollment increases as projected, the ability to expand will be needed. This building will allow for growth.
Project Funding
Project Funding
The cost to build a new PreK-5th grade school is estimated at $67.6 million. District voters will need to approve a general obligation bond for up to $49.97 million to support the project. The school board will utilize SAVE funds to support the remainder of the project and decrease the cost to District residents.
WHAT WILL THE BOND COST ME?
The table shows the tax impact for various property types and values for a $49.97 million general obligation bond.
Click the tax calculator below to find the value for your property:
Understanding the Tax Impact
Understanding the Tax Impact
Watch this video recording explanation of the tax impact of the bond. Presented by the District's financial advisor.
In-depth tax discussion with Matthew Gillaspie- Piper Sandler & Co: https://youtu.be/Q_RAO7mbze8
ELECTION DAY VOTING | NOVEMBER 5
ELECTION DAY VOTING | NOVEMBER 5
Polls are open 7:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M.
Precinct 1, 2, and 3
Le Mars Convention Center | 301 12th Street Southeast, Le Mars
Precinct 4
Plymouth County Annex Building | 225 4th Avenue Southeast, Le Mars
Precinct 5
Remsen Public Library | 211 Fulton Street, Remsen
Precinct 6
Brunsville Legion | 305 Oak Street, Brunsville
Precinct 7
Kissinger Community Center | 608 Main Street, Merrill
Precinct 9
Hinton Community Center | 208 West Main, Hinton
EARLY / ABSENTEE VOTING
EARLY / ABSENTEE VOTING
BY MAIL
Ballots must be requested between October 16-October 21 at 5:00 P.M.
IN PERSON
8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. | Oct. 16-Nov. 4
Plymouth County Auditor's Office
215 4th Ave SE, Le Mars, IA 51031
EXERCISE YOUR RIGHT TO VOTE ON NOVEMBER 5, 2024!
Referendum Informational Videos:
Referendum Informational Videos:
Want to learn why the upcoming school facility bond vote on November 5 is important?
Click the link to watch! http://www.youtube.com/@lcsdbulldogs
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