Frequently Asked Quesions

Below are If you have a question, please call or email one of the administrators at the school.

Dave Harper at (641) 919-2202 or dave.harper@pekincsd.org

Shawn Dorman at (319) 695-3707 or shawn.dorman@pekincsd.org 

Aaron Deutsch at (319) 695-3707 or aaron.deutsch@pekincsd.org 

Q: What are the district's top priorities?

A: Our focus is on safety, HVAC reliability, updated learning spaces, and long‑term infrastructure needs identified by staff, community members, and the Board. The elementary has not been remodeled since the building was built in the 1970s. 

Q: Why are these projects needed now? 

A: Many building systems are at or near end‑of‑life. Delaying upgrades increases long‑term costs and risks system failures. Acting now protects students and preserves district assets. 

Q: How will these projects be funded? 

A: Projects use PPEL, SAVE, and potential bonding options. These funds cannot be used for salaries, classroom supplies, or general fund expenses. The district will cover 30% of the costs using a combination of PPEL and SAVE funds.  The district will ask the community to support 70% of the projects.  

Q: What is the tax impact? 

A: The Board is committed to minimizing tax impact. Any proposal will be shared publicly before decisions are made. The district will be requesting extending the current G.O. Bond which will result in the community seeing a $0.40 increase on property tax for the $12,200,000 in projects.

Q: Why is the Elementary HVAC system a priority? 

A: The existing system is outdated, inefficient, and difficult to maintain. A modern HVAC system improves air quality, comfort, and energy efficiency, reducing long‑term operating costs. 

Q: Why add permanent walls in elementary classrooms? 

A: Permanent walls improve safety, reduce noise, and create more effective learning environments. They also align with modern school security expectations. 

Q: Why replace windows and doors? 

A: Aging windows and doors reduce security and energy efficiency. Replacements improve building durability, safety, and help protect the General Fund by lowering utility costs. 

Q: What is planned for high school secure entrances? 

A: Upgrades will create controlled entry points, ensuring all visitors pass through the office before entering the building—consistent with statewide best practices. 

Q: How were these projects selected? 

A: These needs were the most consistently identified across staff feedback, community meetings, and professional facility assessments. 

Q: What is the project timeline? 

A: Work will be phased to minimize disruption to students and staff. Final timelines depend on contractor availability and Board approval. 

Q: How can the community provide input? 

A: Community feedback directly shapes project priorities. Input is gathered through meetings, surveys, and public Board discussions. The district will be holding tours and informational meetings at the school and in the community.  

Q: What is Pekin CSD asking voters to consider? 

A: Pekin CSD is asking voters to consider a bond referendum to help fund a community-recommended facility improvement plan. The plan focuses on safety, aging infrastructure, classroom improvements, and targeted updates that support students across the district. 

Q: How was this plan developed? 

A: The plan was shaped through a Community Task Force process. The task force reviewed facility needs, financial information, project priorities, and multiple scope options before making a recommendation to the Board. 

Q: Why is this the right project for Pekin? 

A: This recommendation focuses on the highest-priority needs first. It addresses the elementary classroom wings, safety and security, building infrastructure, and targeted Junior/Senior High improvements that support the long-term future of the district. 

Q: What is the main focus of the project? 

A: The main focus is the elementary renovation. The project would improve classroom safety, replace outdated open classroom layouts with permanent walls, and update aging HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and related building systems. .

Q: Why is the elementary renovation so important? 

A: The elementary school has served Pekin students for decades, but the classroom wings no longer match today’s safety, security, or learning needs. This project would create more secure, functional, and modern learning spaces for students and staff. 

Q: Why are permanent classroom walls included? 

A: Permanent walls and lockable doors create safer, more defined classrooms. They also improve sound control, supervision, and the day-to-day learning environment. 

Q: What safety improvements are included? 

A: The project includes secure classroom improvements, fire alarm upgrades, Junior/Senior High entry improvements, asbestos flooring replacement, and parking lot lighting. Together, these updates improve safety during the school day and during after-hours events. 

Q: What is the cost breakdown of all the various components of the project?

A: The budget breakdown is as follows:

• SAFETY & SECURITY UPGRADES (Total of $3,105,000):

  • Renovate classroom wings with permanent walls and lockable doors: $2,500,000 

  • MS/HS Secure entry: $160,000 

  • Parking Lot Lighting: $200,000 

  • Fire alarm upgrades: $245,000 

• INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES (Total of $8,540,000): 

  • Elementary HVAC, Electrical & Plumbing Upgrades: $7,905,000 

  • Asphalt playground lot reconstruction: $100,000 

  • High School classroom asbestos flooring & electrical upgrades: $175,000 

  • High School window replacements: $200,000 

  • Accessibility (ADA) upgrades to stage & performing arts storage: $160,000 

• BUILDING ADDITIONS (Total of $1,155,000)

  • Classroom addition for special education: 475,000

  • Multi-purpose room addition: $680,000

Q: How is the project being funded?

A: The funding is split across three different sources to keep the property tax impact as low as possible. The district is committing $3.6M towards the project through borrowing against their SAVE fund, which is revenue that comes to the district through state sales tax, and cash on hand. These sources of funding cannot be used for staff salaries and benefits and must go towards school infrastructure. The remaining $9.2M will come from district property taxes in the form of General Obligation Bonds.

Q: Is the football and track press box being replaced as a part of this project?

A: The district has budgeted for and is planning to replace the football and track press box, but is it not a part of this bond issue.