2025 Bond Referendum

Central City Community School District Bond Referendum Declined By Voters

The Central City Community School District’s 2025 bond referendum did not receive the voter approval needed to pass on November 4. 

The bond referendum was based on a master plan to create safer, more inclusive, and more engaging learning environments for every student and would have funded community-identified, high-priority facilities improvements across the entire PreK-12 campus. 

“We appreciate everyone who took time to share their input, learn about the bond referendum proposal, and vote. While the referendum did not pass, we respect our community’s decision. We remain committed to serving our students and future generations of our community in how providing a safe, supportive, and collaborative learning environment.”
-Central City Community School District Interim Superintendent Lisa Glenn

We are grateful for those who volunteered to help educate the community and promote awareness on the bond referendum. We will continue to review feedback and explore next steps. 

SECURITY • SAFETY • ACCESSIBILITY • INSPIRATION

On November 4, 2025, voters will consider a bond proposal to support updates that enhance how students, staff, and families experience our schools. This fact sheet outlines planned improvements focused on safety, accessibility, and learning environments.

Ballot Language

Shall the Board of Directors of the Central City Community School District in the County of Linn, State of Iowa, be authorized to contract indebtedness and issue General Obligation Bonds in an amount not to exceed $7,000,000 to provide funds to build, furnish, and equip a new secure entrance to the elementary school, with related remodeling and improvements; to remodel, repair, and improve the interior and exterior of the elementary, middle, and high school, and multipurpose and preschool facilities, with related remodeling and improvements?

Find Your Polling Place

Visit our Open House

Oct. 22 

From 4-6 pm

  • Piper Sandler will be there to answer financial questions
  • Tours are available

SECURITY

Entrance at Elementary School

1. Secure Entrance at Elementary School

This project will create direct access to the school office for check-in. Visitors will not have access to the school without checking-in at the office for improved security.

SAFETY

2. Preschool Maintenance

Preschool casework will be repaired and replaced. Broken windows and doors will be replaced along with worn-out finishes to improve overall safety for students and staff.

3. Multi-Purpose Repairs

New sealant will mitigate moisture infiltration and premature degradation. Replacement of the exterior doors will add access controls for improved safety. Repairs to the locker rooms and replacement of lockers will improve the student experience.  

9. Renovate Elementary Classrooms

New finishes, including carpet, ceilings, paint, new casework, and new markerboards, will update elementary school classrooms. This project will replace chalkboards and antiquated equipment and storage systems. 

ACCESSIBILITY

Renovate Special Education Classroom

4. Renovate Special Education Classroom

Renovations will improve access to classroom features such as the life skills kitchen and restroom facilities. 

5. Relocate Teachers’ Lounge

The teacher experience will be improved with relocation of the lounge. New restrooms would be ADA compliant and adult size. This allows the current space to be repurposed into instructional space.

Wheelchair Access to the Stage

6. Renovate the Stage

Improvements include accessibility, audio/visual equipment, and other upgrades. Wheelchair access will allow students to use the stage and meet building codes.

FCS Classroom 

7. Renovate FCS Classroom

Students will learn practical life skills in the renovated practice kitchen. It will also create one accessible practice kitchen to be jointly used between FCS and the Special Education Life Skills unit.

INSPIRATION

8. Relocate 3rd Grade Classrooms

This relocation of 3rd grade classes from the isolated east hallway will bring the teachers closer together for cross coordination and collaboration.

Renovate Elementary Classrooms

9. Renovate Elementary Classrooms

New finishes, including carpet, ceilings, paint, new casework, and new markerboards, will update elementary school classrooms. This project will replace chalkboards and antiquated equipment and storage systems. 
Proposed Bond Scope Floorplan