July Board Highlights

July Board Highlights

Regional Center Program Participation

Through the Regional Center Program (Kirkwood), students from participating high schools now have increased access to educational opportunities that allow them to earn both high school and college credit. This includes a variety of individual courses as well as Career Academy programs designed to support postsecondary readiness and workforce development.

General Obligation Bond Petition Filed

The board accepted a petition signed by 279 (only 202 were needed) eligible electors of the school district, requesting a bond election on November 4, 2025. If passed, the $18.9 million bond question on the ballot will allow the district to fund improvements to Lowden Elementary School and the Jr/Sr High School including:

• Lowden Elementary: The oldest portion will be torn down and replaced with a new two-story structure with classrooms for first through fourth grade, cafeteria and kitchen, music and art classrooms. Renovations will also improve ADA accessibility and create a secure entry.
• Jr/Sr High School: A new flexible multipurpose activities addition will create additional gym space and replace the current insufficient and old performance space.

Because bond funds are paid for using revenue from property tax levies, the vote must be approved by 60% of voters in the school district. However, this vote will not result in an overall property tax levy rate increase. The district plans to sell bonds to pay for the renovations and additions while maintaining its current tax levy rate of $13.48 per $1,000 of taxable property value. The district also plans to use sales tax revenue from the state to pay for the remainder of the $21 million project.

In-person voting will be held on Election Day: November 4, 2025. In-person absentee voting begins on October 15 and continues through 5 p.m. November 3 at the county auditor’s office. Submit requests to receive absentee ballots by mail between August 26 and October 20. Mailed absentee ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day. Or hand deliver your ballot to the auditor if you do not mail it in time.