General - Bond - Why? (click to expand)
-What is the Bond Proposal?
The proposal is to build a new elementary school building and offices with dedicated parent parking and drop off AND build a CTE connecting addition between the middle school and high school. The bond proposes levying a tax for a major district investment, like an individual would use a mortgage to buy a house. See One Bond, Two Vital Projects
-Why should West Marshall CSD move forward with these projects now?
By acting now, the district will have the financial means to address many of our facility needs and put ourselves in position to better educate future generations of students. By delaying these projects, we run the likely risk of facing higher costs in the future due to factors like inflation, rising material and labor costs, and higher interest rates, among others. Scroll down on the Home page to "Why Now?"
-Why is the district going out for the same bond again? Wasn't there one last year?
The previous bond required 60% majority and fell just short (by 4%) of passing in 2024. The Bond Advisory Committee’s consensus was it was primarily a communication issue as the general feedback of the substance of the bond was positive. In addition, State Center residents were faced with a decision of a local fire-station serving the community of State Center. This alone caused some uncertainty of really "how much" ones tax might increase. Now that we have seen one year of tax increase, many voters realized the increase was not "as impactful" and believed the school is affordable. See Tax Support, How We Got Here
-What happens if the bond doesn't pass?
West Marshall will not have the funding to support the students needs for the must-needed infrastructure updates and capital project expenses. This comes as a greater cost when limited SAVE and PPEL funds must be used for daily operations of existing needs (tuck-pointing, roof-repairs/replacements, technology infrastructure, school bus (min $125,000 annually per-bus) and all maintenance of our athletic-fine arts complex needs. Operation of the 1923 school may no longer have the support of elected officials and community members. Eventually, students will vacate deteriorating space and taxpayers will fund temporary learning spaces. See IF the Bond DOESN'T PASS
-Does the school district just want another new school to keep up with the neighboring districts?
No person wants to spend more money on a school system just because its new and pretty. They want to know that if they don't, whole communities will disappear next because they will seek out districts with better overall facilities to serve their families. This bond is not only for today, but for the decades of children, staff and families who will reap the financial efforts of TODAY'S TAX PAYERS! Scroll down on the Home page to "Why Now?"
-Is it difficult to recruit and retain staff?
IT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW WE ARE EMBRACING A TEACHER SHORTAGE. As a smaller district, that already creates a challenge recruiting new staff--if that potential teacher is given a job offer to teach in a facility which provides updated basic amenities as simple as a restroom built for accessibility or a job offer to teach in a building that provides its students a converted custodial closet without heat or air conditioning...which would they choose? What a shock that might be to them to see the stark differences and how that might correlate to their work environment and anticipated support! Scroll down on the Home page to "Why Now?"
-Will house property tax significantly increase?
A typical homeowner's monthly tax investment in one bond, two vital projects will be $7* to $30* per month. See Tax Support
-Will farm land tax significantly increase?
Farmland monthly tax investment in one bond, two vital projects will be $0.25 per acre per month based on Marshall County's production index. See Tax Support
-How do I vote?
You can vote on bond referendum in the General Election either by absentee or voting at your local polling location on November 4, 2025. See How To Vote for more details.
-Which project starts first—Elementary School or CTE Addition?
Both projects will run simultaneously to leverage economies of scale with potential contractors. Because of the scope and size difference between the two projects, the Elementary school will take longer to complete. See One Bond, Two Vital Projects and Project Scope, Timeline & Specifications
-How will this bond hold a deeper meaning for future generations?
While money and inflation work as a balancing act among households, we must realize the future of ALL communities within the district of West Marshall are impacted by our schools. Families choose to stay or choose to move elsewhere based on the conditions and learning opportunities for their children. This is a fact. Families have a choice to move 20 miles in any direction to find districts with newer infrastructures and facilities with learning spaces designed for today's learners that have also drawn partnerships with business who operate within the modern design for equipment, materials and training.
Scroll down on the Home page to "Why Now?"
-Would the $7 Million S.A.V.E. money remodel the 1923 building?
No. Renovating the 1923 building would reduce existing classroom space due to required code upgrades—such as ADA compliance, larger restrooms, fire suppression systems, and asbestos abatement. Classrooms are already undersized by today’s standards, and upgrades would require "over-taking" existing student space or building costly additions. Even with $7M, the building’s age and design make it inefficient to modernize without sacrificing functionality, requiring additional square footage elsewhere just to maintain what we currently have. Scroll down on the Home page to "Why Now?" and see IF the Bond DOESN'T PASS
-If we “pay as we go,” when would upgrades meet today’s standards?
Likely never, given economic and political variables. Ignoring those,14+ years to save the money equal to these projects, ignoring inflation and all other infrastructure expenses over that time, and it'd be considerably more expensive remodeling vs building new. It's kind of like an average person saving to buy a house with cash vs a mortgage or loan. See IF the Bond DOESN'T PASS
-What is a PPEL bond? What is a Referendum?
This bond is a Physical Plant and Equipment Levy Bond, P.P.E.L., often pronounced "peppel." It is being combined with S.A.V.E. money that the School Board can use at it's discretion for projects. Referendum is simply another word for vote. For further details, see Questions for Us, One Bond, Two Vital Projects, and the video at the bottom of this FAQ page
-What will the benefits of a new elementary school be?
A new school will provide expanded learning space, flexible modern classrooms, enhanced safety, improved accessibility and efficient infrastructure. See One Bond, Two Vital Projects
-Where will the 4-5 students go during construction?
During construction, we’ll use flexible spaces like partitioned rooms, the gym, or the media center to keep learning on track. Music may be on a cart for a while, and depending on enrollment, we may temporarily relocate 5th grade to the middle school.
-Is the High School CTE addition happening before the Elementary school project?
Both projects will run simultaneously to leverage economies of scale with potential contractors. Because of the scope and size difference between the two projects, the Elementary school will take longer to complete. See One Bond, Two Vital Projects and Project Scope, Timeline & Specifications
-Is a two story building safe in an emergency situation?
Yes, and much safer than the current building. A two story building was suggested by the bond advisory committee as it was the most viable solution logistically and economically. In addition, building materials used must align to the governors safe-school initiative recommendations, allowing for the entire envelope to be built with these features in mind. In Iowa any school wishing to use capital project funds, must undergo an approved review of student safety features, requiring specific updates to student learning spaces. Yes, two-stories would still require additional ladder safety evacuation procedures that are currently in place in our existing K-3 and 4-5 buildings that teachers are trained to use in the event of certain emergencies. Significant possibilities were eliminated when investigating a one story building. See How We Got Here
-What will happen to the 1948/1952 K-3 South building?
The South building will be needed alongside the 1995 commons for the next several years until the new K-5 building is built. Afterwards, there are multiple options, one of which includes using it for extended care programming and early-childhood care: preschool-6-6 wraparound facilities (including full-time summer care for families) as well as other district needs.
-Why do we need extended care programing? (Before/After School Care, Wraparound/Summer Care, 6-to-6)
Since 2017, the #1 surveyed priority ahead of a parent drop-off/pick-up location was the need for early-child or wrap-around programming. Many families were looking for solutions rather than transporting children to Marshalltown, Ames, or the Des Moines Metro Area at that time. West Marshall added a fully operational (DHS Certified) program that allows for 3 year old - 5th grade students to have 12 hour care. Once this occurred, academic growth of students enrolled flourished. Students who enrolled in our 3 year old Preschool Program are able to adapt playtime with standards aligned to our kindergarten program and nearly 75% of all student enrolled are mastering skill above grade-level content beyond that of peers who were not enrolled in 6-to-6.
-What will happen to the new black and gold playground?
It will continue to be enjoyed and utilized by students after the new school is built too.
-Is the 1923 building insulated?
Not at all - the envelope consists of brick, clay tile block and horse hair plaster. New, undersized windows were installed in 2012. See IF the Bond DOESN'T PASS
-Will the new school be big enough if enrollment goes up?
Yes, classroom sizes in the design can allow the number of students in a classroom to grow allowing for future expansion if needed. Additionally, any remodel of the South 1948/1952 building for wraparound and preschool functions could accommodate overflow in the potential scenario that becomes an issue, with a pay as you go model that is currently happens for specific room renovations, updates and asbestos abatement, not another bond. See One Bond, Two Vital Projects
-How does the size of the new elementary compare to the current elementary complex?
The new school will double the square footage of the North building compared to the current room utilization being used in the 1923 building with 40% larger classrooms. The educational space in the new school is about the same square footage to the current North and South buildings combined, resulting in more functional space for kids and students. Additionally, In 2028, the South building could support extended care and other district needs, consolidating assets and saving taxpayers money. See One Bond, Two Vital Projects
-Why is the new design two stories?
Over 40 stakeholders have contributed to this plan since 2024, helping shape an economical solution. A two-story design minimizes the roof area, cutting long-term repair and replacement costs in half. Stacked floors also reduce the need for extensive electrical wiring and fewer substations, making both construction and future maintenance more cost-effective. Green space is better preserved, and visual impact is minimized, without sacrificing function. See One Bond, Two Vital Projects
-Would the $7 Million S.A.V.E. money remodel the 1923 building?
No. Renovating the 1923 building would reduce existing classroom space due to required code upgrades—such as ADA compliance, larger restrooms, fire suppression systems, and asbestos abatement. Classrooms are already undersized by today’s standards, and upgrades would require "over-taking" existing student space or building costly additions. Even with $7M, the building’s age and design make it inefficient to modernize without sacrificing functionality, requiring additional square footage elsewhere just to maintain what we currently have. Scroll down on the Home page to "Why Now?" and see IF the Bond DOESN'T PASS
-Why haven’t we just put sprinklers in the 1923 building?
Installing fire suppression systems in new construction is significantly more cost-effective ($1.50–$3.00/sq ft) than retrofitting older buildings ($2.00–$7.00/sq ft). Older facilities also present logistical challenges, including lead and asbestos removal, lengthy construction timelines, and potential disruptions to learning. See IF the Bond DOESN'T PASS
-Why not build a new elementary by the middle school and high school?
-Why not build a new elementary by the middle school and high school?
Estimates to build a new elementary school near the middle and high school exceeded $35 million—about 50% more than the combined total of S.A.V.E. funds and this bond, and beyond any of the District's financial capacity. Rebuilding on the current site allows the district to reuse existing facilities (like the 1995 commons-gym, lunchroom, library, art room and music room), keeping costs lower while still meeting student needs. See How We Got Here
-Can the new building be less fancy to save money?
The design prioritizes durability and code compliance, not luxury. Some aesthetic elements have minimal cost but long-term value. Using quality materials ensures the building lasts for generations, reducing future repair and replacement costs.
-Can the building be shorter to save money?
Current design spec is 10’ ceilings with 2’ plenum allowing for HVAC-mechanical ductwork, network cabling, sprinkler systems and wireless access-points), which is the current standard. Making the structure shorter would likely increase costs due to more difficult construction, and height is generally the most cost effective dimension of the building envelope in this situation.
-Would the new school be cheaper if we made it a little smaller?
Theoretically yes, however any smaller and the needs of the students and staff wouldn’t be met. The proposed size is specifically selected to be the most cost effective for the current and foreseeable future. Scroll down on the Home page to "Why Now?"
-Without an upward trend in enrollment, do we really need a new school?
The new school is less about square footage, and more about the most efficient method of keeping facilities current. A person doesn't always buy a new car because they need to haul more people; often it’s the most effective method to update to current equipment and reduce maintenance costs which allows them to focus on their primary goals. Scroll down on the Home page to "Why Now?"
-If we “pay as we go,” when would upgrades meet today’s standards?
Likely never, given economic and political variables. Ignoring those,14+ years to save the money equal to these projects, ignoring inflation and all other infrastructure expenses over that time, and it'd be considerably more expensive remodeling vs building new. It's kind of like an average person saving to buy a house with cash vs a mortgage or loan. See IF the Bond DOESN'T PASS
C.T.E. Addition (Career and Technical Education) (click to expand) - See also What is a CTE Addition?
-Will the CTE addition connect the middle and high school?
Yes! The CTE wing will also provide a safe and secure hallway between the middle school and high school for students and staff to efficiently move between buildings. See One Bond, Two Vital Projects
-How will students benefit from a CTE Addition?
Educate students to be successful in areas of the modern economy
Address NEW state legislation requiring Work-Base Learning (Internships both paid/unpaid)
Taxpayers are currently paying to partner offsite with other institutions (MCC and DMACC)
Create high potential to partner with companies to sponsor educational programs
Offer classes in fields that weren’t a focus a couple decades ago (robotics…)
Improve safety by separating pedestrians from vehicles and deliveries
Eliminate daily student travel across busy parking lots and across town to the annex for woodshop
Allow 6th–12th grade students to learn under one roof
Support a more unified school community
Increase efficiency for shared staff and student services
See also What is a CTE Addition?
-What will students use the CTE addition for?
Over 75% of our students enroll in CTE Courses. Grades 3-5 will use it for robotics after school. Grades 6-12 will have daily classes in:
Woods, Small-engines, Robotics
*Metal Fabrications
Engineering (Computations/Material-Labs)
FFA Programs
(Food-Nutrition-Natural Sciences-Agricultural Sciences-Agri Business-Survey of Animal Industry-Horticulture/Greenhouse Management)
Human Services
(Food Science-Family Consumer Science-General Health Sciences-Nursing)
Business (Marketing-Accounting-Commerce)
*Business Academy Program
*Automotive Electrical-Service-Diagnostic
*Diesel Mechanic Electrical-Service-Diagnostic
*Construction Tech/Blue Print Reading Design
Additional-Trades Based on Individual Student Needs
*Currently partially or completely off-site
See also What is a CTE Addition?
-Doesn't the West Marshall already offer CTE classes?
Yes, However, nearly 35-40 students every year drive themselves to Nevada schools (Welding Program), Ames (DMACC Hunziker Center) or Marshalltown (MCC Campus) at double the cost to families and taxpayers.
-How do I vote?
You can vote on bond referendum in the General Election either by absentee or voting at your local polling location on November 4, 2025. See How To Vote for more details.
-What are the voting response options?
-Yes (Take out a bond and build a new elementary school and CTE wing)
-No (vacate deteriorating space and fund temporary learning spaces)
-When do I vote? When is election day?
The election will be held on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. The polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Votes can also be submitted via absentee ballots before that. See How To Vote for more details.
-How do I register to vote?
Eligible voters must complete a voter registration form and return it to your County Auditor’s Office before election day or register at your primary polling site the day of election. See How To Vote for more details.
-Do I need an ID to vote?
Yes. A valid ID is necessary in order to cast a ballot.
-Who can vote on the bond referendum?
Anyone who lives within the West Marshall Community School District's boundaries and is 18 years of age or older may cast a ballot on November 4, 2025. Anyone who is not registered to vote can do so the same day at the polling place by providing proof of age and residence. See How To Vote for more details.
-What is the approval needed for the bond referendum to pass?
The bond referendum requires a supermajority to pass, meaning it must receive at least 60% +1 of the vote. See IF the Bond DOESN'T PASS
-What language will be on the November 4 ballot?
The exact text of the bond measure that voters will see is: coming soon
-Will my house property tax significantly increase?
A typical homeowner's monthly tax investment in one bond, two vital projects will be $7* to $30* per month. See Tax Support
-Will farm land tax significantly increase?
Farmland monthly tax investment in one bond, two vital projects will be $0.25 per acre per month based on Marshall County's production index. See Tax Support
-If we “pay as we go,” when would upgrades meet today’s standards?
Likely never, given economic and political variables. Ignoring those,14+ years to save the money equal to these projects, ignoring inflation and all other infrastructure expenses over that time, and it'd be considerably more expensive remodeling vs building new. It's kind of like an average person saving to buy a house with cash vs a mortgage or loan. See IF the Bond DOESN'T PASS
-What is S.A.V.E. money?
S.A.V.E. stands for Secure an Advanced Vision for Education fund, also known as the statewide one-cent sales tax for school infrastructure.
-Would the $7 Million S.A.V.E. money remodel the 1923 building?
No. Renovating the 1923 building would reduce existing classroom space due to required code upgrades—such as ADA compliance, larger restrooms, fire suppression systems, and asbestos abatement. Classrooms are already undersized by today’s standards, and upgrades would require "over-taking" existing student space or building costly additions. Even with $7M, the building’s age and design make it inefficient to modernize without sacrificing functionality, requiring additional square footage elsewhere just to maintain what we currently have. Scroll down on the Home page to "Why Now?" and see IF the Bond DOESN'T PASS
-My house appraisal just went up, raising my taxes. Doesn’t a bunch of that already go to the school?
Property appraisal rates doesn't change the amount of tax the school gets. The property tax money for the school is set by a dollar value, not percentage. So, if you pay $1.00 or 1% to the school on a $100,000 property. And if the assessment increases to $105,000, you still pay $1.00 but 0.95% to the school. So essentially, as valuations increase annually, the percent a taxpayer owes to fund the same amount will decrease annually. See also Tax Support
-Can the district request a lower bond so it doesn't cost taxpayers as much?
No. Iowa Schools are legally limited to "$2.70" and "$4.05". The district has been careful to maximize every tax dollar for the maximum efficiency and benefit of the community. The district's capacity is limited by State Code with a "single question vote" at the polls. That being said, West Marshall current debt levy is approximately $0.80 therefore the bonding capacity sought by a $14 million dollar bond can not increase more than $1.90. See Questions for Us, Tax Support and the video at the bottom of this FAQ page
-How much revenue would an approved bond vote provide?
An approved bond on November 4, 2025, would provide up to $14 million to use in conjunction with revenue that West Marshall CSD receives from the statewide one-cent sales tax fund, known as Secure an Advanced Vision for Education (SAVE).
-How is using GENERAL FUND money unusual for West Marshall compared to other communities?
West Marshall has utilized a surplus of General Fund (which can NOT be used for Capital Projects) to buy down our currently levy rates. General Fund money helps reduce Taxes (increased by capital project funds) for our communities, instead of purchasing peripheral extra and wants. WM has continued to save General Funds for many years and once criteria is met annual, the Board must vote to determine the annual reduction. (i.e.: Spending $100,000 of General Funds can buy-down the tax-payers' levy costs by $0.25. We cant save long enough fast enough to replace on that money alone). See Questions for Us, Tax Support and the video at the bottom of this FAQ
-How many years are needed to pay off the general obligation bonds?
The repayment period will be determined by the School Board during bond sales. Although general obligation bonds typically have a term of around 20 years, this can vary. There are also options to structure the bonds to allow for refinancing to better rates or early payoff which West Marshall took advantage of after building the 2012 middle school, saving taxpayers $500,000.
-Will the project be able to stay within budget?
Yes. Current construction estimates are around $19.5M leaving a responsible budgetary buffer aligning with industry standards.
-What is the anticipated effect on the district's tax levy to accommodate this bond?
The anticipated increase in the district’s tax levy would be $1.90 per $1,000 of taxable valuation. A typical homeowner's monthly tax investment in one bond, two vital projects will be $7* to $30* per month. See Tax Support
-How does the district's levy rate compare to others?
Our tax rates are comparatively low, and will continue to be the second lowest in the region after this bond. See Tax Support
-What are West Marshall's enrollment trends?
Our certified enrollment has declined by 11.7% in the past 20 years. During the 2003-04 school year, enrollment stood at 858 students. That figure fell to 757 students a year ago. The number of students who open enroll into West Marshall CSD, however, has grown more than fourfold from 41 in 2003-04 to a record 184 in 2024-25, adding to the districts available general funds, but funds that are not a permitted use towards capital projects.
-How does open enrollment affect the district’s needs regarding both infrastructure, space and money?
The state contributes to the general fund based on open enrollment students. General fund moneys can not be used for capital projects, however general funds can be used to buy-down exiting the annual tax-levy if approved by the board on a yeat-to-year basis, a taxpayer savings. See Questions for Us,Tax Support and the video at the bottom of this FAQ page.
Are you familiar with Iowa school funding and referendums?
This short video explains funding sources, clears up common myths, shows how tax impact is calculated, and highlights why facility upkeep matters.
What is the current condition of the 1923 Building?
Video Tour of 1923 building issues with Superintendent Jacy Large (11:25)
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