Questions and Answers for proposal- April 3, 2009
Q. What is the actual award from Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division who administers FEMA funding?
A. The award amount will be determined by the cost per square foot of the new building. For example, if the square foot cost by the lowest bid is $170/sq. ft. the amount of the award would be $5,978,000. If the cost per square foot is less, the award would also be less. Regardless of the cost per square foot, the award will represent the replacement and relocation of the Irving Elementary. The size of that building is 35,218 square feet. In addition, there are other eligible costs that will be covered. Proportional paving, roads, land acquisition, parking, playground, site preparation, and utilities to the building would also all be covered and paid for by FEMA. Also, should demolition of the old Irving building be deemed necessary, FEMA funding will cover that cost, as well.
Q. Is the land being considered for the facility adequate? I’ve heard it is a “wet area” and prone to flooding.
A. The 30 acres purchased by the school in February of 2008 for this type of expansion has, in the words of the architect and land surveyor “excellent buildability”. The test borings conducted in January found the property to be “better than good” for this project. The site preparation or redistributing of the dirt will further enhance desirable drainage and underground pipes will carry storm water to the storm sewer. This property is not in the floodplain and did not flood last June. The building will be adequately positioned to take advantage of the land elevation and drainage.
The land surveying was done by VJ Engineering of Waterloo and the Geothermal Engineering Report was completed by Terracon of Cedar Falls. Both are independent contractors and not associated with architectural firms. Terracon has been used the district in the past.
Q. This building seems more than we need. Is it more than what we currently have?
A. This building proposed is smaller than the two buildings it is to replace. The combined square footage of the Middle School and Irving Elementary is currently approximately 144,218 square feet. The proposed facility is 139,580 square feet. The number of gyms and auditorium only replaces what would be lost and there would be “common use” areas such as the cafeteria, kitchen, media center, labs, etc. Programming would provide for separation of the 5th-6th and the 7th-8th grades.
Q. What will happen to the old buildings?
A. The board will have to determine which options are most appropriate. There are some that have been discussed. A community non-profit center for the Middle School has been discussed if there is a need and interest. The old JH gyms could be used for community needs, as well. It is hoped there will be a desire for other groups to use that facility. With Irving, there are fewer options due to its location and the award. If demolition is deemed appropriate, funds will be provided from FEMA. In its current state and the real danger of future flooding, there are no plans to use it as a district attendance center.
Q. Why did the high school expansion of gyms and auditorium come in over cost projections?
A. There were many factors that made the final cost more than what was once projected. The costs for materials and fuel were steadily rising during that time. In fact, one sub-contractor said it would have been cheaper for them to pay the breach of contract penalty than to pay the higher material costs. The board had to make decisions to “re-bid” or accept increased costs. The change orders approved by the board also made for higher costs but were designed to improve the facility. For example, terrazzo was chosen for floor covering instead of the bid for vinyl tile. There was considerable added cost due to the 65’ fly for the auditorium but was highly recommended by the arts personnel and community.
Q. Who paid for the repair to the new gym floor?
A. The contractor paid the entire cost after negotiation with the district. The amount of sanding needed to be done was to remove .011” of “cupping” due to too much humidity at the time of installation. The installers were deemed to be the reason and the contractor where the floor was purchased paid the bill for repair. The amount of sanding did not appreciably lessen the lifespan of the floor.
Q. Will the board commit to paying the bond costs at an accelerated rate?
A. The board did approve a resolution to review district needs annually and apply an appropriate amount to retiring the bonds as quickly as possible. Interest rates will also have an impact on that “buy down”. The board stated publicly to “do what we can” to pay these bonds off quickly. Increased funding by FEMA may help, as well.
Q. Will all funds received from this project go only to this project?
A. Yes. So far, we have funds from FEMA as described. Those funds are based on the bid amount for 35,218 square feet of Irving plus contingency and fees, utilities, some parking, roads, playgrounds, etc.
It’s important to note the ballot question to be voted on by the community on April 7th.
“Shall the Board of Directors of the Waverly-Shell Rock Community School District in the Counties of Bremer, Butler, and Black Hawk, State of Iowa, be authorized to contract indebtedness and issue General Obligation Bonds in an amount not to exceed $18,925,000 to provide funds to construct, build, furnish, and equip a new 5th through 8t grade attendance center?”
That ballot question will not allow funds generated from this referendum to be used for any other purpose than the one stated. Funds will not be “shifted” for any other purpose.
While the district does have other needs for facilities, the most pressing one is the 5th – 8th project due to the flooding in June. Increasing enrollment issues may need to be addressed but not with funds from this project.
Q. What about cost overruns? Where would funds come from?
A. Contingency amounts for any cost overruns will be covered by FEMA for the Irving portion. Other reductions to the building will have to be done if costs increase during construction. During the construction of the Building projects Kitchen inspections (PDF), cost of materials rose significantly during construction due the inflation of fuel, materials, etc. In contrast, materials, labor, etc. are at an economic low right now.
Original Questions and AnswersQ: Why is this particular plan before voters?
A: Washington Irving Elementary School is beyond reasonable repair and would likely pose a health risk; the Jr. High was also damaged and remains the district’s most-aged building still in service and would likely have been the next building project as part of our district’s long-range plan. With FEMA’s available recovery funds, and a desire to come before voters only once, W-SR’s School Board voted unanimously to pursue a shared project at this time. There are also significant academic and resourcing benefits in such a plan.
Q. What is the status of Irving?
A. Irving Elementary is located in both the designated floodplain (standing water) and floodway (moving water). The recent flooding caused $3.9 million of damage to the interior of the facility alone. The Iowa DNR hydrologist stated in a letter to the district that, “future flooding at this site is not a question of ‘if,’ but ‘when’.” A new relocated boiler has taken the place of the band rehearsal space, yet the lunchroom, orchestra and guidance areas (even if remodeled) would remain below ground level. The State Fire Marshall has also informed us that if we return to the original site, we would need to upgrade the building to current fire code standards at an estimated additional 35% of the cost of remodeling. That will equate to an additional $1.4 million in renovation meaning we would be reinvesting in a building that could/will flood again. In addition, air samples taken at the Irving site have indicated elevated levels of mold.
Q. What is the status of the Jr. High?
A. Waverly-Shell Rock Jr. High School is currently located in the original 1926 Waverly High School. Situated in a flood zone, the lower gymnasium has been flooded three times (’93, ’99, ’08) in the past 15 years. Although the primary facility has served the school district well for 83 years, significant limitations exist to the current facility and its location. To date, all rooms in the current facility are being utilized; most of which are significantly undersized for today’s students and teaching practices. Seven lab-style classrooms are in need of significant renovation (science, industrial technology, art, and family and consumer sciences) along with vocal music space. The current location of the Middle School is essentially landlocked. This lack of available green space greatly limits access to quality outdoor education and recreation opportunities which also creates limited or no practice areas for extra-curricular activities such as football, track, and cross-country. All outdoor sports practices either take place at the fairgrounds or high school facilities. During the fall and spring seasons, student athletes are required to cross Bremer Avenue to access these practice locations. As a host to numerous after school extra-curricular events and evening fine arts performances, parking is limited to the streets surrounding the immediate school. The lack of parking is an ongoing concern as is the daily flow of traffic around the school.
Q. Why a 5-8 building? Why not a new, more modern Jr. High with room forexpansion and room to incorporate 9th grade in the future, relocating the 5-6 grades into the Jr. High Building?
A. The benefit of fewer transitions, less transportation, and conservation of resources make this option favorable. Relocating the 5-6 to the Jr. High Building does not address the needs of that facility as outlined above.
Q. How much would it cost to refurbish Irving? Why isn’t that a viable option?
A. The estimated cost of repair to pre-flood conditions is $3.9 million as per FEMA project submitted work orders. The Iowa State Fire Marshal has indicated in a letter to the superintendent that if the district repairs Irving, it will have to meet current fire codes; before, Irving was “grandfathered” in. The estimated increased cost to repair Irving is an additional $1.4 million. Even if that were feasible, the building would still remain in the floodway and floodplain. The building was not large enough to accommodate the number of students before the flood so two portables were purchased and placed there. They were not damaged by the flood and will be used elsewhere in the district or sold in the near future.
Q. Will this facility accommodate additional growth with open enrollment and people moving into the community?
A. This plan meets current needs with some room for future expansion. The district wants to be careful to not build more than we can afford nor more than we feel is needed. There is no guarantee what enrollment figures will look like in 10 years. It appears W-SR will continue to grow but there is a fine line between building for current and future needs. This is our best case scenario given allowable funding and the ability to repay while not over burdening taxpayers.
Q. Who is deciding on the plan and program?
A. The current plan was adopted by the community through comments and suggestions gathered at meetings held in September 2008 and earlier this year. Following approval of the bond referendum, the conceptual design will be fine tuned into a detailed building plan. Input for this plan will come from school and District personnel and community members. The final decision will be based on funding and ability to repay the General Obligation Bonds and will need to be approved by the W-SR School Board. The programming will be the joint responsibility of Principals Kwikkel and Wilcox.
Q. How do we know that what is being proposed is appropriate for W-SR, our budget, our economic development, and the taxpayers?
A. The district has used several resources to determine the appropriateness of the plan. The Mid-continent Research on Education and Learning (McREL) research, staff, parents, and the community through public meetings and the survey have all contributed in the planning and conceptual design of the facility.
Q. We just built a new high school gym and auditorium, why didn’t we build a new Jr. High if it is so important and was already being considered in our long range plan?
A. At the time the RADA Performing Arts Center (PAC) and the new gymnasium project was started the District did not have the ability to incur sufficient bond debt to build a new Jr. High or grades 5-8 facility; we now do with the maturity of the current bond from 20 years ago. Additionally, the Rada PAC and gymnasium project was funded largely with private donations, with the balance funded with debt supported by available School Infrastructure Local Option (SILO) funds. We were fortunate that when the need arose for the PAC and Gym, we were able to recognize and take advantage of an opportunity presented to the school district.
Q. Does the School District own the land for the possible location and if so, is there any related debt for this land?
A. Yes, the district owns the land and no, there is no related debt.
Q. Why this location?
A. Several years ago, the Board developed a long range facility plan. As a result of that, the District purchased this land for future construction and/or expansion.
Q. The identified location for the school appears to be low-lying and I’ve seen water running through it at different times. How do we know this area also won’t flood?
A. Struxture Architects has taken this into consideration when creating the conceptual design and placing the building on the site, including the addition of a defined creek bed and retention bioswales as part of the overall site design. Soil testing by site borings has also been completed and results indicate the soil and subsurface is good and has excellent “buildability” for this project on this site.
Q. Why this size of building?
A. The size chosen is the most applicable to programmatic and student needs. It allows for future expansion should the need arise and includes desired facilities identified through community input.
Q. What are the benefits of this plan?
A. This plan allows for middle level programming for all grades in the facility and will eliminate one transition for students during their K-12 experience. The plan also provides a continuum of services spanning four years replacing the two current two year stints at Irving Elementary and the Middle School. It is outside the floodplain, has ample green space, and is highly accessible from two major streets.
Q. Why combined 5-8?
A. The flood-damaged Washington Irving and W-SR Middle School will eventually need to be replaced; therefore, it seemed like a good time to address both needs with a single building. Combining these grades under one roof helps to reduce costs (building and annual operating), lessens the number of transitions, and meets the greatest need expressed by the community during the public meetings last year. There are also significant educational benefits to a 5-8 grade facility and the “wing” concept allows enhanced opportunities for students to learn in a safe environment.
Q. Are more schools going to 5-8 buildings? What is the national trend? Why 5-8?
A. There is no “one, perfect” way for middle level education. When McREL researched this topic for W-SR, they stated it is “more up to the individual school district and community” rather than a prescribed level. W-SR officials believe this is the best plan for our school and community based on available research and community and staff comments.
Q. What are the benefits and challenges of having a combined location for grades 5-8?
A. Significant construction and annual operating cost can be saved by having these four grades under one roof. Programming is being evaluated by school administration and teaching staff to meet the needs of all students in Grades 5-8. Lessening the number of transitions has been shown to help with student achievement through the research conducted by McREL.
Q. How will the new building be more efficient?
A. There have been many improvements in mechanical and electrical resources over the life of the two buildings; we expect to include many of these in the new facility. With the use of geothermal for heating and air conditioning the District would realize a sizable savings in monthly utility costs.
Q. What new technologies are being added to the new building that will improve student achievement? (Technical education upgrades)
A. The amount of technology available for students and teachers is increasing at a very fast rate. This building will incorporate the latest technologies from the beginning yet have the flexibility to address future needs. All existing technology from the Middle School and Irving will be evaluated for incorporation into the new facility.
Q. Will the new building reduce class size?
A. Not necessarily - Class size, or number of students per section, is a result of current staffing patterns and/or master schedule development. W-SR administrators and guidance counselors work hard each year to keep class and section sizes as low as possible.
Q. How will this new building improve student achievement?
A. There are many who have studied the relationship with newer, more modern, and resource-driven schools and have reported an increase in student achievement because of those resources. It is also known that having a variety of educational options, both physically and intellectually, learning and retention will be enhanced. The new building, with larger classrooms and alternative learning spaces, will aid this.
Q. Does a new building serve as a drawing card for more experienced, qualified teachers?
A. Yes.
Q. What are the benefits and challenges of this location in relationship to the High School?
A. The benefits include easier access to space with shared uses, e.g. outdoor athletic facilities at the High School; however the 7-8 activities and students will remain separate. No challenges have been identified at this time.
Q. Will new staff have to be added to accommodate the new building?
A. No new staff is anticipated.
Q. What are the benefits and challenges of this location in relationship to the Bremwood campus of Lutheran Services in Iowa (LSI)?
A. We share some resources with Bremwood. We have had many students over the years attend our secondary attendance centers after being placed there by LSI. There are no perceived challenges by the administration.
Q. Is the location next to Bremwood a safety concern for our kids? Does there need to be a fence to separate the two campuses?
A. The location is not deemed a safety concern. LSI has done an excellent job with programming for students attending their facility.
Q. Why do we need another full auditorium?
A. The auditorium planned in the new facility is much smaller than the Rada PAC and is designed for educational functions as well as performance, with emphasis on its use for large group meetings and presentations. Also, the stage will be used as a music practice facility, and indeed can be closed off from the seating area to allow two educational sessions in each space simultaneously. It will be designed for performances as well, with the presentation qualities of a small theater.
Q. How much of the project is non-academic? Is too much being spent on extra-curricular spaces considering the new gym and auditorium at the high school?
A. All areas are considered academic spaces since every part of the building meets educational expectations and needs. The building replicates the number of gymnasiums and performance space currently in use. The comments gathered during our community meetings have told us the community expects W-SR to provide these areas.
Q. Will the new building be open for community use (auditorium/gym space/ green space)?
A. W-SR has always maintained a policy of letting the community use facilities when available. School functions do have a priority, however.
Q: Why am I being asked to support this project now?
A: Even in this economy and all our community has been through this past year, this may actually prove to be the most opportune time for such a project. Unlike other smaller districts around us, W-SR continues to grow and the trends indicate that will continue with appropriate facilities and resources. Irving students cannot continue in their temporary location long term. The Jr. High will eventually need to be replaced as well. With FEMA’s assistance, a reasonable bond referendum, additional grant funding possible, favorable financing, lower construction costs, and the creation of jobs, supporting the project now makes sense.
Q. What is the status of the current 5-6 grades location?
A. This facility is a temporary solution with a one-year lease and an option for two additional years on the property. While meeting the urgency of need, there are several drawbacks to the Willow Lawn facility. Green space, parking, inability to have full height walls, natural lighting, restrooms, drinking fountains, classroom sinks, lack of heat or lighting control in rooms, and gym space are all challenges.
W-SR is thankful for its availability and the resources FEMA provided, but the space is only a temporary solution.
Q. If approved today, what is the time-line for having a new building?
A. If the vote is passed in April 2009, final drawings will need to be completed, reviewed, and approved. The earliest construction could start would be late fall 2009, with a target completion of the facility by fall 2011. There is a possibility of “phasing,” meaning the 5-6 grades could be in sooner than the 7-8 grades.
Q. What will happen to the existing Irving and Jr. High?
A. The administration has had conversations with possible investors and the City for the current facilities. The city has suggested the area where Irving is located could be used to widen the dry-run and an idea discussed for the Jr. High is to use the building for a “non-profit center.” There are many uses that would not include being a school building.
Q. Things are tough right now; wouldn’t it be better to let the economy turn around before we take on a big project like this?
A. That very fact has made this a good time to construct a new building. Interest rates, available workforce, materials cost, and fuel costs make building at this time more economical than in the past or perceived future.
Q. How much are construction costs expected to increase per year over the next 2-5 years?
A. Over the past 5 years, they have varied from 4%-17%. Currently construction prices are actually below the previous year. From a conservative standpoint, a 10% increase annually is a safe position.
Q. Aren’t we getting money from FEMA and insurance to fix the existing buildings?
A. We have received funding to fix most but not all that is needed. FEMA will only provide funding for “pre-flood” conditions. In Irving’s case, that does not mean they would fund the required fire code upgrades.
Q. What are the safety/health issues with moving back into Irving?
A. The threat of future flooding is real. We were fortunate the flood happened after school was dismissed for the summer. Currently, the building has been tested and shows unsafe levels of mold.
Q. How can we better utilize the facilities we have so we don’t need to build such an extravagant building at a high cost?
A. The current structures are not adequate for the programming WSR has for students. To adapt them would be costly, and within the confines of their structural layout, the results may not provide the kinds of spaces that would best suit the educational programming envisioned for this facility. The planned building is not perceived to be extravagant but, instead, able to fill those basic educational needs as identified by community feedback.
Q. If this is so important, why didn’t we do it earlier instead of the other projects that have been done?
A. This type of project was in fact being considered in our long range facility plans. Circumstances such as need, donations, and opportunity allowed other projects to happen earlier. In fact, had it not been for the flood, this project may not have been pursued for a few years.
Q. Will local businesses be utilized for construction and contract work?
A. Public projects of this size must be bid competitively. Local contractors, sub-contractors, and suppliers will be given every opportunity to bid as prime contractors or as subcontractors. Every effort will be made to make local construction entities aware of the process and the project. W-SR feels that is our civic responsibility.
Q. What is the current interest rate market for municipal bonds?
A. Interest rates are the lowest they have been in years. The estimated “all-in” bond rate using current rates would be approximately 2%. That figure can change, however.
Q. Is there a current market for municipal bonds such as these?
A. Yes, there is an excellent current market for high quality bonds, such as the ones the district would issue.
Q: How much will this plan cost our district, and more important, me?
A: The bond vote to take place on April 7 only allows a maximum levy of $2.70 per $1,000 for the $18,925,000 amount listed on the referendum ballot. Any amount over that limit would require an additional ballot question. The district determined to use the $2.70 limit in its desire to be as fiscally responsible as possible. With FEMA’s additional funds, current grant applications still pending, SILO dollars, etc., it is reasonable to expect the project to be completed at or possibly under projected costs, especially in this economy. It is expected the district will only levy $2.65/thousand and that the individual property owner in our district will incur an increase of no more than $1.51 per $1,000 of taxable value over 20 years, due to the maturity of the current bond, releasing $1.14. As an example, a homeowner in our district with an assessed property value of $100,000 will pay approximately $68.84 more per year, or $.19 per day. Additionally, property taxes will not be increased until September 2010. Go to this link to calculate the tax burden for a particular situation.
Q. What is the total construction cost? What about other cost, such as furniture, fixtures, and equipment?
A. Total construction cost is anticipated to be approximately $25 million for the current plan. Furniture, fixtures, and equipment could add an additional $1 million, but the district plans to use as much currently available equipment as possible.
Q. Who decided on the amount we should spend?
A. The plan was developed through the input provided during the community meetings, staff meetings, and district committee meetings.
Q. How much is FEMA giving us?
A. We are scheduled to receive just over $2 million dollars from FEMA. That will be added to the $18,925,000 from the bond vote bringing the total available to $20,925,000. In addition, the superintendent has applied for several grants and we are hopeful some will be successful. All grant received funds will go toward the construction and debt for the building.
Q. How much will be funded with this bond issue vs. other funds?
A. The maximum amount a general obligation bond would be issued for is $18,925,000. There is a need to raise the difference between the total cost and the bond with FEMA money, grants, and private fund-raising.
Q. Are there other direct taxes, other than property taxes, that would go towards this project?
A. No.
Q. Why not use some SILO funds for the cost of the school and reduce the burden on the taxpayers?
A. At this time, the W-SR school is not able to sell bonds against the anticipated SILO funds the District will receive in future years. Because funds for the 5-8 Middle School project will be needed in the short term, the W-SR Board believes the most financially responsible way to secure funds is to utilize the sale of General Obligation bonds. The added benefit is that the GO bonds can be sold at a lower interest rate when compared to bonds sold against anticipated SILO funds. Beginning in 2011, the W-SR School Board has committed to applying excess SILO funds to buy down the 2009 GO bond debt annually. In addition, there is a possibility of zero interest bonds from the “stimulus” stabilization funding from the federal government. That option is being researched by Speer Financial, the bond consultant for the W-SR School District.
Q. If approved, how long will the tax rate be effective?
A. 20 years.
Q. When would the new tax rate be applied?
A. June 1, 2010.
Q. When would I have to start paying the related new property taxes?
A. September 2010.
Q. Why a bond?
A. It is the best method to secure funds since the interest rates, attractiveness of quality bonds, and interested parties are an excellent value.
Q. What is a bond?
A. A bond is much like a loan. Investors purchase them with a promise for repayment plus interest over a prescribed amount of time.
Q. How do we pay for a bond?
A. The district pays a prescribed amount each year much like a loan. The amount collected annually in property tax as a “debt service levy” is used to pay off that “loan.”
Q. How much does a bond cost?
A. A bond’s cost is established by the market. The bond’s interest rate is the most attractive part for investors. It is estimated, due to the economy, interest rates are approximately 2%.
Q. I don’t want to see a lot of money spent on stuff we don’t need. How do we know this plan is going to be the best plan for the money and who will decide?
A. The current plan is a community-developed one, created from comments during the community meetings and displays. The School Board, voted in by the public and responsible to their constituents, is responsible to choose the best plan and approve all funds spent.
Q. If we don’t have a plan yet, how can we vote on a bond?
A. We have a conceptual design with approximate square footage of the building. Current costs are determined on a “per square foot” basis so the conceptual design gives an approximate cost.
Q. What is the rate used to determine the approximate cost of the building?
A. Struxture Architects has used a basis of $170/sq foot, based on past experience, to estimate the cost of the building, however, it is possible bids may not come in at this rate, and could actually come in significantly less. As a result of current decreasing costs, recent bids received in Cedar Falls, Waukee, Carlisle, and Norwalk have come in significantly less than the projected cost. For example, Norwalk’s bid came in at $116/square foot; the lower the bid, the fewer dollars needed to build this facility.
Q. How much, if any, private fund-raising will need to be done?
A. Grants totaling approximately $20 million have been applied for and we should know the status of some of these by fall 2009. Additional grants will be applied for as the opportunity arises, and private fund-raising may be done.
Q. I don’t have any children, how would increasing my property taxes help me?
A. Quality available education is a key factor when individuals are deciding to move to or stay in a community. Facilities are an important factor in providing a quality education. When more individuals want to move into or stay in a community, it helps to increase everyone’s property values and maintain the vitality of the community.
Q. We just spent a bunch of money on a library, fire station, and new gyms and auditorium at the high school. How can we afford to keep spending money when Waverly hasn’t gotten much bigger in 20 years?
A. The school district enrollment continues to grow. The district has 73 more students attending this year over last year.
Q. What is the status of any FEMA funding?
A. We expect to receive just over $2.6 million related to Irving, of which $500,000 has already been spent and just over $2 million can be put toward a new facility or continuing repairs on Irving. We have and/or will receive $141,208 for the Middle School and $513,970 for Southeast. All funds have or will be spent on the repair of the Middle School and Southeast.
Q. If some of the grants are awarded, how does this affect the overall bond price tag? How does this affect the tax structure--how much will my taxes increase?
A. If some grants are awarded, the amount received will be put toward facility construction and furnishing costs. If funds remain at the end of construction they will be used to offset the debt expense. To calculate your personal tax increase, refer to the calculator on the web site.
Q. What is the annual cost for a home with an assessed value at $100,000?
A. There is a calculator on the district web site where you can enter the assessed value of your home and it will estimate your property tax increase. With the amount above, the “taxable valuation” would be $45,589 due to the “rollback” of residential property. The difference of the levy after the adjustment made due to current indebtedness being paid off in June would be approximately $1.51. Therefore, the net increase in property tax would be $68.84 per year or 18.8 cents per day.
Q. What is the annual cost for business property valued at $100,000?
A. Business property does not have a “rollback” feature for taxation value therefore the increase of $1.51 per $1,000 of value would apply.
Q. What is the annual cost for farm land valued at $5,000 per acre?
A. Farmland value and taxation value are considerably different. While the appraised value may be $5,000 the taxation amount may be $1,200; that varies for individual farmers. In addition, there is about a 6% rollback for farmland so the taxable amount would be the $1.51 times the taxation value (after the 6% rollback is applied).
Q. It seems like there’s a lot of money talked about from different things but we don’t really get to see what’s been spent, what things cost, and who decides. Where can we see a rundown of the costs of this project and where our money is going?
A. To date, we only have conceptual drawings available with estimated costs. Once approved, detailed plans, expenses, and revenues will be reported as required by Iowa code. Any questions can be directed to the superintendent.
Q. What happens when the bond is paid off?
A. The debt service levy is removed from the property taxes people pay, i.e., property taxes are reduced.
Q. Does Waverly have to pay for everything?
A. Residents of the entire Waverly-Shell Rock school district will be responsible to pay off the bonds plus interest over the 20-year-life of the bonds. The district has the option to pay them off early, thus saving interest, if funds become available such as through the SILO state penny tax on purchases.
Q. We’re retired and on fixed income, the economy is awful and we can’t afford to pay more in taxes. Why should we support something we’ll never benefit from?
A. Each of us has different opportunities to be a part of events or projects that we may or may not benefit from directly. Whether it’s donating time at church, helping a neighbor, or supporting a community project, ultimately our hope is that we are creating and maintaining a community we are proud of. By ensuring that our school infrastructure is safe, flexible, and strong we provide our students and community with a system that adds value to our lives and our property.
Q. I live in Shell Rock. Why should I continue to pay for all these nice buildings in Waverly, e.g., library, fire station, high school gym and performance center, and now another new school?
A. The library and fire station have been funded in different ways. As a part of the W-SR school district and the Waverly-Shell Rock communities, we all benefit from both communities being strong and having quality schools. Whether you live in town, on a farm, in an apartment or retirement community, it is the combined education facilities, the businesses, and events that we enjoy in each community which we all benefit from. Waverly-Shell Rock benefits from the appeal of strong, unified communities, especially at a time when we see many towns facing economic hardship.
Q. What would be the on-going operational cost compared to the existing separate sites (i.e., annual operating budget impact)?
A. With geothermal energy as the source and better construction techniques, the new building will be considerably more efficient than the two existing buildings. Even with air conditioning added, the annual savings could be as much as 20%-30% or greater.
Q. How can I be assured the money is used only for this project?
A. Iowa Code does not allow for any use other than that publicly noted.
Q: What will happen if I choose NOT to support this referendum?
A: The agreement for Irving’s current, temporary location expires in two years and it is not ideal as a teaching/learning space. The annual cost for the Willow Lawn facility is $300,000. Flood-ravaged Irving will not be replaced in its current site, so school children will need to eventually move to either another alternative site or new building. The long-range plan for the district also calls for the Jr. High to be considered for replacement in the foreseeable future, and it would, in all likelihood, come before voters at some time soon.
Q. What will they do for a school if not passed?
A. Remain at Willow Lawn and pay the approximate $300,000 yearly for rent and utilities until another option is found.
Q. Is fixing up Irving an option if this is not passed?
A. The reasons for not returning to Irving will not change if the bond issue does not pass.
Q. What will happen to our enrollment rates if this new school is not passed?
A. It is difficult to say, it is possible families will choose not to relocate or open enroll their kids into the W-SR district.
Q. Will we lose kids and students to other districts?
A. Possibly.
Q. What would have to be done to the Jr. High to make it more functional and how long would those improvements last?
A. We have maintained that facility as well as possible. We would not be able to change its configuration or suitability since the building is land locked and the other challenges would remain. Any comprehensive remodeling upgrades would be a continuous marriage of 1926 architecture with 21st century building code and programming requirements.
Q. How long can we operate the 5-6 grades for the current location?
A. The current location was identified as a temporary solution. There are 2 years remaining on the lease. If additional years are needed, the lease will have to be renegotiated, possibly at an increased cost.
Q. What would be done with Irving to make it more functional and how long would those improvements last?
A. It would cost over $5 million to repair, as identified above. It is located in what is designated a floodway and floodplain. No improvement can change that location.
