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Bond Information You Need to Know

Following a six-month process of assessment, surveys ,and committee meetings, the School Board reviewed data, information, and a final facility recommendation presented by the facility committee. The data prioritized needs of the District that centered around safety and educational improvements to all buildings. Continue reading to learn more about the proposed improvements!

How was this need determined?

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Facility Assessment

Building Systems
Learning Space
Safety
Education Capacity
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Staff Surveys

141 Participants
5,358 Ratings
341 Thoughts
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Facility Committee

Community Members
Business Owners & Farmers
Board Members
School Staff/Administration

Why is now the time?

Learning and maintenance issues must be addressed. Some of our aging systems are 25 years past their life expectancy and our learning environments do not meet the needs of today’s students.

The District is interested in a long-term solution rather than a short-term fix. This project allows the District to catch up on aging system replacements and proactively budget and plan for future facility needs.

We’re building for the next generation of Harlan students and families!

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Facility Assessment

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Increase Technology

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Expanded Curriculum

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Aging Systems & Equipment

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Proactive Maintenance Plan

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Increase Flexibility

 

What We Are Proposing

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Click here to view the proposed District campus site plan.

Countdown to Vote

Tuesday, September 13, 2022

 
Therkildsen Activity Center
Harlan
 
St. Joseph’s Hall
Earling
 
Early voting begins August 23
 

Community Meetings

Location for Meeting

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Location for Meeting

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What is My Tax Impact?

Residential Calculator

 

Agricultural Calculator

 

How Will This Impact Our Students?

This project would allow for improvements that impact ALL students. As learning and teaching styles improve and evolve, facilities need to support these changes.

Renovating and improving the intermediate building did not prove cost effective when compared to building new. Renovating with an addition estimated costs of $11-14.4M vs. building new of $14-15.5M. A new intermediate building (3rd-5th grade), attached to the current elementary school allows for modern learning environments and additional safety features.

The metal panel walls in the high school provide poor acoustical separation from neighboring rooms, and do not contain the electrical capacity to support growing technological needs. Replacing these walls and reconfiguring classrooms will address these issues while creating collaborative, small-group spaces and a welcoming modern environment. High school improvements will consist of approximately half the budget.

What is Your Impact?

The District’s top priority was to keep the tax impact of the project as low as possible for our community.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why are we proposing this now?

Learning and maintenance issues must be addressed. Some of our aging systems are 25 years past their life expectancy and our learning environments do not meet the needs of today’s students.

The District is interested in a long-term solution rather than a short-term fix. This project allows the District to catch up on aging system replacements and proactively budget and plan for future facility needs.

We’re building for the next generation of Harlan students and families!

Will students be disrupted during the building construction?

Construction will be phased to complete multiple areas during the Summer months when school is not in session. Maintenance and system updates will be be planned as efficiently as possible. This will limit the amount of disruption to student learning.

How long will it take to complete the project?

With a successful bond election, we plan to begin design shortly after. Construction will begin summer of 2023 and span multiple phases until all scope is complete.

Why are there two questions on the ballot?

The first question on the ballot is asking you to approve a General Obligation (GO) bond for $22,900,000 to assist in funding the proposed projects. The GO bond requires 60% approval to pass.

The second question on the ballot is asking you to approve an extension of the current Revenue Purpose Statement which will allow the District to allocate funds from the Secure and Advanced Vision for Education (SAVE) program to the construction projects. The Revenue Purpose Statement will not increase taxes and requires 50% approval to pass.

How will the total project be funded?

The project will be funded with SAVE and a General Obligation bond as follows:

$22,900,000 – General Obligation (GO) Bond

A GO bond is a method of long-term financing that a school district may use to borrow money for construction projects. This spreads the cost of the project over a number of years, similar to a home mortgage.

$9,100,000 – SAVE (Secure an Advanced Vision for Education)

SAVE is money collected through a one-cent statewide sales tax to help Iowa schools make significant progress in addressing overdue facility and equipment needs.

Voting Information

Who is eligible to vote?

Any registered voter living within the Harlan Comunity School District boundaries is eligible to participate in the election.  Election day will be September 13, 2022, with the polls open from 7:00 am – 8:00 pm.

View map to find out if you are eligible to vote.

Am I registered to vote in Iowa?

Not sure if you are a registered voter? Find out here.

How do I update my registration information?

You MUST update your information if you change your name, address, or party affiliation. You can find more information about voter registration and updating your registration here. 

Can I vote using an absentee ballot?

Yes. Find out more information about absentee voting, deadlines or to request your ballot here

Ballots must be sent in by August 29th.

Can I vote early?

Yes, you may vote early in-person at the Auditor's office (2nd floor of the courthouse) from August 23rd – September 12th from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm

I have additional questions about voting.

Contact the County auditor:

Mark Maxwell

(P) (712) 755-3200

(E) mmaxwell@shco.org

Where to Vote

Harlan

Therkildsen Activity Center

7:00 AM – 8:00 PM 

Earling

St. Joseph's Hall

7:00 AM – 8:00 PM 

 

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