QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

The West Sioux School Board was considering having a referendum to address facility needs in spring 2024. The Iowa Legislature recently passed a law that no longer allows spring referendums, districts are now only allowed the option to have school referendums once a year in November. The board, the community group, and the community survey results all overwhelming agreed that 2023 was a better year to vote on facility needs.

• • With instruction inflation going up 10%-15% per year, the financially responsible path is 2023

  • It would be difficult for the referendum details to be properly communicated during the 2024 presidential election

  • 81% of participants in the community survey believe there should be a referendum in 2023

  • 85% of the community group members voted to recommend that the board move forward on a referendum in 2023

• • The district’s bond capacity, which is set by the State of Iowa, is no longer large enough to afford building a new school in Ireton. Districts are not permitted to spend beyond their bond capacity, Construction inflation is outpacing the district’s bond capacity, which makes it important to make improvements sooner rather than later.

  • The proposed upgrades in Ireton include a brand new classroom wing, removal of the existing classroom wing, and a full renovation of the existing gymnasium, along with replacement of the HVAC system, a new floor, window replacement, electrical system upgrades, and fire alarm and sprinkler upgrades.

The 100+ people who participated in the community focus group and the 365 community survey participants were clear: one of the main reason the second referendum failed was because it was perceived to be a “band aid” or “lipstick on a pig.” 

The proposed scope items in the 2023 referendum are most certainly NOT a band aid:

• • The proposed upgrades in Ireton include a brand new classroom wing, removal of the existing classroom wing, and a full renovation of the existing gymnasium, along with replacement of the HVAC system, a new floor, window replacement, electrical system upgrades, and fire alarm and sprinkler upgrades.

  • The proposed upgrades in Hawarden include two new classrooms to replace the portable units, a new secure entrance, new plumbing, new boiler and HVAC, new flooring, new lighting and electrical, and window replacement.

  • The proposed upgrades are substantial improvements that will significantly enhance the learning environments for students, save the district money on its utility bills, improve safety for students and staff, and extend the life of both elementary schools for years to come.

The community survey, community focus group, and engineers were clear that the facility needs are greatest in the elementary schools.

• 91% of survey respondents believe it is “important/very important” to address the facility needs in the elementary schools

• The community survey revealed:

  • • 50% want to prioritize funding where the greatest needs are

    • 31% want to prioritize funding at the elementary schools

    • 9% want an even mix of funding between schools

    • 8% other

    • 0% want to prioritize funding at the high school/middle school

The community was clear that they were concerned about a perceived division in the West Sioux community and that approving a referendum would be a good step forward toward healing the divide.

• 85% of the community group believe that running a referendum that repaired both elementary schools has the best chance of passing with West Sioux voters because:

  • • “Both towns would feel like they won”

    • “Both communities would benefit”

    • “Values of both communities can feel they ‘won’”

    • “We will get this worked out because we care about our kids”

    • “If we can work together for the good of the kids and the district we will make it work”

The new classroom wing would be constructed on the east side of the building while students went to school in the older wing. Students would move in when construction is complete, then the old classroom wing would be removed. This approach minimizes overall disruptions in the classrooms.

As you may have seen, many of the windows were recently covered up at the West Sioux Elementary school in Ireton. This was done because:

• • The school still has the original single pane windows that were installed in 1961. They are over 30 years beyond their life expectancy.

  • Voters failed two bond referendums that would have funded the replacement of these windows.

  • The age of the windows has led to temperature extremes during class. Some students wear coats in class during winter, and school has been called off because of cold weather in the classrooms. 

  • Over the summer of 2023, 6 of the 7 windows in each classroom were covered up and insulated to easier regulate the temperature extremes in the classrooms.

  • While this is likely an effective measure to control temperature, it has significantly reduced the natural light in the classrooms, which is a detriment for learning. Increased natural light has a measurable effect on student achievement. A loss in sunlight also impacts students with ADHD and ADD as classrooms must rely more on artificial light. 

The proposed scope in Hawarden includes constructing an addition to the building with two new classrooms. The portable classrooms would be removed. Additionally, because the elementary in Hawarden would be getting a new HVAC, the giant white pipe outside of the building would be removed as well. The removal of the portables and the pipe would open up useable green space outside of the school.

Yes, West Sioux teachers and staff will have the opportunity to weigh in on the final planning decisions.

Feel free to contact Superintendent Steve Grond (CLICK HERE), speak to a board member, or contact one of the over 100 people that participated in the community focus group meetings. 

One frustration expressed in the community focus group was that inaccurate information was posted on social media during previous referendums. The most important thing is to get your questions answered from someone who can give an accurate response. It’s important to know the facts so that you can make an informed vote on November 7.

 If you live in Sioux County, please go to the Sioux County Courthouse Auditor’s office in Orange City and place your request for the mail in ballot. If you live in Plymouth County, please go to the Plymouth County Courthouse in Le Mars.

The last day to request that an absentee ballot be sent to you by mail is Oct. 23 at 5:00pm.

Here is the Sioux County Elections Website

https://siouxcountyia.gov/elections/

Here is the Plymouth County Elections Website

https://www.co.plymouth.ia.us/Elections/General_Election.htm

Here is the State of Iowa website on absentee ballots:

https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/electioninfo/https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/electioninfo/absenteeinfo.htmlabsenteeinfo.html