North Polk schools asks voters for $17 million bond to cover high school, sports additions
North Polk Community School District voters will have a say this November in some big construction projects as enrollment there continues to grow.
District officials are asking voters Nov. 7 whether they should take out a $17 million bond referendum for a technical education addition to the high school, a new baseball/softball complex and to renovate some older elementary classrooms.
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Will the bond raise my property taxes?
The referendum would not raise property taxes, officials said. It needs supermajority support from at least 60% of voters to pass.
North Polk bond referendum could fund new career and technical education wing
Funding from the bond referendum would go to a proposed addition to the high school for industrial arts, agriculture and career/technical education.
The addition would bring in updated equipment and expanded offerings in the trades, like a new metal shop and welding booths. Students would no longer have to walk outdoors to get to the current facility or travel a long distance for certain Des Moines Area Community College programs.
Superintendent Michael Kline said the new facility would open up new opportunities and career possibilities for students.
North Polk could see new baseball/softball field
Bond referendum funding also would go to a new softball and baseball complex. Current field space for all players in the district, in both middle school and high school, is limited.
"To find time for all of them to practice, to keep the field in good working order, it just becomes a challenge," Kline said.
The new complex would bring in synthetic turf, have new bleachers and batting cages, update the press box and include a concession stand that would also serve visiting fans at football games.
North Polk school district continues to grow
All of the planned construction comes as district officials project student enrollment growth of about 80 to 100 students per year over the next decade. North Polk currently has about 2,100 students.
Even more projects have been completed recently, like a new elementary building in Polk City, or are in progress, like major renovations and additions at Central Elementary and the middle school.
How do I vote?
The election is Nov. 7. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
To register or find your polling place, visit polkcountyiowa.gov/county-auditor/election.
The North Polk Community School District is headquartered in Alleman. It includes students who live in Alleman, Ankeny, Elkhart, Sheldahl and Polk City, as well as the surrounding rural areas.
Chris Higgins covers the eastern suburbs for the Register. Reach him at chiggins@registermedia.com or 515-423-5146 and follow him on Twitter @chris_higgins_.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: North Polk bond referendum could fund high school addition, ball field
