Voters in the Iowa City school district have approved the largest school bond issue ever put before voters. $191.5 million. The school bond will be used for projects and facilities within the Iowa City school district.

According to the Johnson County auditor's office, voter turnout was high for the issue, topping out at nearly 23%. Officials say the bond will help complete the district's 10-year facility plan. That includes renovations to the district's high schools, junior highs, Shimek, Wood, Wickam, Garner, Horn, Kirkwood, Borlaug, Alexander, Lemme, Mann, and Lincoln elementary schools. The bond will raise taxes from $13.98 per $1,000 of assessed value up to $14.96.

Meanwhile, voters in the Linn-Mar school district voted no on an $80 million school bond issue. 53% of voters approved the measure, but it needed a 60% super majority to pass. The funds would have paid for the construction of a new elementary school, renovations to three other elementary schools, two new intermediate buildings, and an addition on to Excelsior Middle School. The bond would have pushed Linn-Mar's property tax rate to $19, which is why many voters said no.

 

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