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STRONG SCHOOLS
STRONG COMMUNITIES

The West Fork Community School District calls for an election on November 5, 2024, to authorize general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $16,865,000 for site improvements in both the Elementary and High School buildings.

Referendum 2024 Results: Community Supports Continued Investment in Schools

On Tuesday, November 5, 2024, voters in the West Fork Community School District considered a one-question bond referendum in the amount of $16,865,000. Following the vote, the unofficial election results are 1590 YES (62.5%) and 952 NO (37.5%).

Superintendent Mike Kruger expressed his gratitude to the community for their support:

“The success of the bond referendum wouldn't have been possible without the dedication and efforts of our community members. Your active participation and belief in our mission to provide safe buildings and healthy spaces is invaluable. Thank you.”

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.

TAX IMPACT?

FAQs

WHERE DO I VOTE?

BALLOT QUESTION

CLICK TO VIEW

Shall the Board of Directors of the West Fork Community School District in the Counties of Cerro Gordo, Franklin, Hancock, and Wright, State of Iowa, be authorized to contract indebtedness and issue General Obligation Bonds in an amount not to exceed $16,865,000 to provide funds to remodel, repair, and improve the HVAC and electrical systems at the Rockwell elementary building and the Sheffield middle school / high school building, including related remodeling and improvements; to replace roof sections at both facilities; to replace horizontal runs of the domestic water system piping at the Sheffield facility; and to add a secure entrance at the Sheffield facility?

THE PROJECTS

Safe and Healthy Spaces

Create a safe and secure entry and visitor check-in (High/Middle School)
Replace roofing (All Schools)
Upgrade ventilation and HVAC (All Schools)
Upgrade electrical distribution (All Schools)
Replace domestic water piping (High/Middle School)
Remove asbestos material (Elementary School)

Learning Environments

Complete the addition of HVAC improvements in all classrooms at both Rockwell and Sheffield campuses that was started with Phase 1 SAVE work during the summer of 2023. This includes fresh air ventilation and temperature control.
Update current lighting with LED lighting in classrooms to improve the learning environment and reduce utility costs.

INFO SESSIONS & TOURS

6:30-7:30 P.M.

We’re excited to invite you to an informational session and building tour 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. WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

Wednesday, October 2

Rockwell Campus
210 S. 2nd Street

Rockwell, IA

Wednesday,October 9

Sheffield Campus
504 Park Street

Sheffield, IA

ⓘ Superintendent Mike Kruger will give a short presentation at 6:30 p.m. Q & A and building tour will follow.

PHOTO GALLERY

Improve secure entry to include check-in

Moss on roof - sign of moisture and poor drainage

Original domestic water piping has exceeded its life expectancy

Upgrading boiler controls will heat buildings better and save energy

Gymnasium HVAC system will provide more consistent temperature control during school and events

Efficient LED lighting in classrooms will improve the learning environment and help reduce electrical costs

Upgrade ventilation and HVAC systems will enhance air quality and to provide consistent, comfortable temperature control

CONCEPTUAL FLOOR PLANS

Conceptual Plan

Secure entry with check-in at the high/middle school

- Update to create safe and secure pass-through entry vestibule with visitor check-in at the office

DID YOU KNOW?

Maintaining School Infrastructure

Maintaining school infrastructure is crucial for safety, education quality, community engagement, and operational efficiency. It extends facility lifespan, ensures compliance, and supports environmental responsibility, benefiting students, staff, and the community.

- The air handling units at both schools, original and nearly 71 years old, exceed their 30-year life expectancy.
- Marginal CO2 levels are present in most buildings, with four classrooms at dysfunctional levels, impacting cognitive performance.
- Outdated HVAC and boiler controls hinder temperature regulation; updating them will enhance climate control, improve teaching and learning environments, and reduce utility costs.
- The domestic water piping that would be replaced is original to the sections of the building from 1930 and 1954. It has exceeded its life expectancy.

Secure Entrance and Check-in

Currently, when visitors are buzzed in, they can continue anywhere in the high school building.

- An updated safe and secure entry would require all visitors to check in with the office staff in person before being allowed access to the school.
- This way, we can be sure that only visitors we approve have access to our buildings.

HOW DID WE GET HERE?