
The Public Weighs in on $165 Million Waterloo Mega High School Plan
It has happened before but this time it’ll cost a few bucks to bring East & West together. The Hatfield's & McCoys finally came together so can Waterloo. Oh, wait, I don’t think The Hatfields & McCoy’s ever buried the hatchet, so forget that part but we still believe in Waterloo!! The Waterloo Community School District is embarking on its most significant change ever. On July 29, the Board of Education approved a $165,000,000 plan to consolidate its two high schools into a single new facility. This new high school will be built onto the existing Central Middle School and will serve students in grades 10 through 12.
Thanks to KCRG we learned construction is expected to begin in Spring 2025, with the new school scheduled to open for the 2028-2029 school year. In the meantime, Waterloo West High School and Waterloo East High School will continue to accommodate all eighth and ninth graders in the district.
The project will be funded by a 1% sales tax, which will not result in new taxes. This is why the plan is not subject to a bond referendum in November.
What does the public think about it?
There has been significant public opposition to the plan. At the second public meeting, some residents expressed concerns about the timing of the project and its potential economic impact. One man commented, “It’s too much at this time. People in Waterloo are losing high-end jobs, like those at Deere, and this feels like an additional burden.”
Another resident said, “That’s a lot of money, and with the recent layoffs at John Deere, there’s concern about whether it will remain affordable to live in Waterloo.”

Superintendent Dr. Jared Smith argued that the new high school will enhance students’ access to career-focused classes and attract new students to the district. “Currently, there’s a reluctance among students to leave their home high school. This new facility will eliminate that barrier by providing all students in grades 10 through 12 with direct access to the career center.”
Regarding the objections raised, Dr. Smith acknowledged their validity. “These are fair concerns that we have been addressing for years. We understand that Waterloo has been hit hard by recent developments, but the timing will never be perfect.”
Opponents of the plan have until August 12 to submit a petition with signatures from more than 30% of active voters to force a vote on the decision.
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