NEWS RELEASE
REFERENDUM 2023 RESULTS: COMMUNITY REJECTS BOND REFERENDUM QUESTION
UNDERWOOD, IA – November 7, 2023
On Tuesday, November 7, 2023, voters in the Underwood Community School District rejected the bond referendum question on the special election ballot. Following the vote, the unofficial election results are 449 YES (53%) and 393 NO (47%).
Superintendent Andy Irwin expressed his appreciation for the community's engagement:
"We are grateful to all community members that participated in the community focus groups and the voters who participated in the bond referendum. While the outcome wasn't what we had hoped for, we thank the community for being involved in this important decision-making process."
Despite the unsuccessful bond referendum, the Underwood Community School District remains committed to providing a quality education to its students and will continue to explore other avenues to address the pressing needs of our school facilities.
The Underwood School Board calls for a special election on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, presenting voters with one question to authorize general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $13,700,000 for facility and learning environment improvements.
BALLOT QUESTION
Shall the Board of Directors of the Underwood Community School District in the County of Pottawattamie, State of Iowa, be authorized to contract indebtedness and issue General Obligation Bonds in an amount not to exceed $13,700,000 to provide funds to remodel, repair, improve, furnish and equip its existing educational facilities, including HVAC improvements, and to improve the sites, including an early childhood center drop-off, paving the high school parking lot, and athletic facility improvements?
THE PROJECTS
Safe and Healthy Spaces
Add a safe and secure entrance to the elementary and high school.
Install rooftop HVAC units throughout the elementary school.
Replace out-of-date heating systems in the elementary school.
Redesign bus drop-off with new grass and sidewalks for the playground area.
Add a new Early Childhood playground.
Replace outdated equipment on the Northwest playground.
Renovate the High School Commons area.
Replace air handling system in High School Commons area.
Learning Environments
Move Early Childhood classrooms to North wing and add restrooms.
Renovate classrooms for Early Childhood, Speech, Guidance and Title I programs.
Adding a new conference room in the library.
Site Improvements
Replacing elementary school windows.
Replacing elementary boiler.
Replacing sanitary waste piping and associated flooring systems that are in danger of failing in the elementary school.
Renovating kindergarten and multi-purpose restrooms to be ADA compliant.
Upgrading of sidewalks, visitor bleachers, lighting, goal posts, restrooms, concession stand, ticket gate and storage at the football field.
Paving of the high school southwest parking lot that is currently gravel.
Renovate baseball/softball field to be used for both events at the high school.
PHOTO GALLERY
Elementary Entrance
High School Parking Lot
Elementary Air Handler
Elementary Boiler
Elementary Bathroom
Elementary Playground
Elementary Window
Athletic Grounds
CONCEPTUAL RENDERINGS
AND PLANS
AND PLANS
CLICK HERE TO VIEW ⬇︎
DID YOU KNOW?
Project Priorities Match Community Expectations
In July, a comprehensive community-wide survey was completed to gather input regarding our school facilities. The survey received an impressive response from over 453 individuals and revealed that the top priorities of the community are:
Enhancing HVAC systems in the elementary school
Modernizing restrooms to meet ADA compliance standards
Renovating early childhood spaces
Replacing windows at the elementary school
Obsolete Elementary HVAC System
Like our homes, heating and cooling systems need to be upgraded and replaced when they becoming outdated and obsolete. Our Elementary HVAC system has surpassed its useful life and requires replacement.
The Elementary School closure on August 23 and 24, due to the HVAC's inability to keep up with the demand, is an indication of its age and inefficiency.
The proposed bond projects aim to minimize these learning disruptions and create a comfortable environment for staff and students.
Elementary School Nearing 60 Years Old
The Elementary School was built in 1964 and has been well maintained and is a solid structure.
However, few updates have been completed over the last several decades. The proposed projects will address equipment, infrastructure, and programming needs.
OPEN HOUSE
INFO NIGHT
INFO NIGHT
6:00–8:00PM
Join us for a short presentation at 6:00pm, tour of the school, and ask Q & A regarding the November 7, 2023 Bond Referendum question!
Wednesday, October 4
START IN MEDIA CENTER IN MIDDLE SCHOOL THEN BEGIN TOURS
601 3rd Street Underwood, IA
Wednesday, October 11
START IN MEDIA CENTER IN MIDDLE SCHOOL THEN BEGIN TOURS
601 3rd Street Underwood, IA
A short presentation by Superintendent Andy Irwin will begin at 6:00pm.
HOW DID WE GET HERE?
OCTOBER 2022
Comprehensive Facilities Assessment conducted by SitelogIQ to assess physical, educational, and functional needs.
DECEMBER 2022
Facility Assessment Review is presented to the school board and District administration.
APRIL 2023
Board comprehensive review including prioritizations, project scenarios, potential costs.
JUNE 2023
At the direction of the Board, multiple Community Focus Groups to review potential facility needs.
JULY-AUGUST 2023
Community-wide survey begins followed by a report of results to the School Board.
School Board begins workshopping potential facility solutions and projects.
AUGUST 2023
The School Board passes a resolution committing to move forward with a November 7, 2023 Referendum.
Community Voice:
Critical Input for District Facility Planning
Critical Input for District Facility Planning
Community Focus Groups
To ensure future facility decisions make sense for students, are fiscally responsible, and have community support, the Underwood district leadership and School Board requested that two Community Focus Groups, offered June 22 and 29 be offered to the public. Their focus was on Underwood facilities and to provide insight and input as the board plans for the future of our schools.
We are extremely grateful for our community members and their time and dedication in providing feedback for the district as we continually strive to provide the best educational experience for our students!
Community-wide Survey
Between July 10-25, 453 Underwood residents completed a survey about their thoughts regarding district facility planning.
This community-wide survey was an extension of the work being done by the Community Focus Groups, our staff, and district leadership. YOUR INPUT WAS HEARD AND IS VALUED!