Decision Day For Voters In Three Area School Districts

It's decision Tuesday as voters in the Cedar Falls, Denver and Waterloo school districts head to the polls to decide separate ballot issues.

In Cedar Falls, residents will decide whether to back a $35 million bond issue that would help increase elementary school capacity, while Denver voters are being asked to support a $7.35 million referendum for a new gymnasium and performing arts facility. In Waterloo, the district's 20-year-old maintenance levy is up for renewal.

Cedar Falls

Approval of the $35 million measure would provide funding for expansion and upgrades at Orchard Hill and North Cedar elementary schools. and to build a seventh elementary school in the district.

Backing the bond issue would add $1.38 taxes per every $1,000 of taxable valuation for the next 20 years. The yearly increase would equal about $112.61 for a $150,000 home and $225.22 for a $300,000 house.

Proposed renovations at the two existing elementaries would include new classrooms, a cafeteria, gym and kitchen. Music rooms rooms would be added at Orchard Hill, while new offices are planned at North Cedar. New classrooms at Orchard Hill would replace five portable buildings that currently house six classrooms, increasing the school's capacity from 350 students to 475.

District officials want to add a seventh elementary school on a 40-acre site near Erik and Hudson roads. The proposed facility would be built to accommodate 525 students.

Last year, voters rejected a $118 million bond issue that would have also raised money for a new high school. District officials crafted the smaller proposal to address elementary facility needs after a series of community meetings. They plan to schedule another referendum next year to finance construction of a new high school, if Tuesday's measure passes.

The bond issue requires 60-percent voter approval. A group of residents concerned about school spending is opposing the measure.

Polls in Cedar Falls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Click HERE for voting locations.

Denver

The $7.35 million referendum would generate funds to build a new gymnasium and performing arts facility on the city's southwest side, adjacent to the district's athletic complex. The bond issue would pay for most of the $9.9 million project.

According to design plans, the new facility would include an 800-seat gym, secondary 400-seat gym, four locker rooms, an indoor track, and a weight room. A new 500-seat auditorium would be attached to the gymnasium.

Eventually, district officials hope to add a new middle and high school to the new gymnasium and performing arts center.

Approval of the the referendum would increase property tax $1.92 per $1,000 of taxable valuation. Owners with a $100,000 home would pay about $97.70 more per year.

The measure requires 60-percent voter approval to pass. Voters largely supported a similar $6.9 million measure on Dec. 2, 2014, but the issue failed initially because it received only 54-percent approval.

The voting site is at Denver City Hall. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Waterloo

District officials are asking voters to renew a physical plant and equipment levy (PPEL) that's been in place for about 20 years. Money generated by the levy pays for the maintenance and upkeep of the district's buildings.

Approval of the measure would continue the PPEL for another 10 years. The current levy expires in 2017.

District officials emphasize that renewing the levy will not increase taxes. Property owners would continue paying 67 cents per $1,000 of taxable valuation.

Polls in Waterloo are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Click HERE for voting locations.