CALAMUS-WHEATLAND CSD
BOND VOTE
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
How is this different from the bond vote in March 2023 that did not pass?
The bond vote in 2023 included improvements at the campuses in Calamus and Wheatland, but it also had plans for a new athletic complex adjacent to the high school. The bond issue under consideration for November 2024 does not include construction of an athletic complex.
Will community members get to vote on the proposed solution to the district's facilities needs?
Yes. Registered voters who reside in the Calamus-Wheatland CSD will be able to consider the school bond issue on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.
Was the community involved in creating this proposed solution?
Yes. The School Board and administration have strived to engage with the community and provide information about the district’s facility needs and possible solutions. A facilities task force that includes members of the community has also studied these needs and provided a recommendation to the board.
How would an approved bond affect property taxes?
The district’s current total tax rate is $11.76 per $1,000 of taxable property value, which is down more than 15% since 2013. If voters approve the bond in November 2024, property taxpayers would see an impact of $2.70 per year on every $1,000 of taxable property value. This would put the district’s total levy rate at $14.46.
How would the district’s property tax rate compare to others in our region?
The proposed total tax levy rate of $14.46 would be in line with many of Calamus-Wheatland CSD's peers.
What projects have been financed by SAVE instead of property taxes?
Commonly known as the statewide one-cent sales tax for education, the SAVE fund was created in 2008 to provide Iowa schools with a revenue source to support infrastructure and technology.
Calamus-Wheatland CSD is currently allocating its distribution of SAVE funds to pay for debt that was incurred through a revenue bond for the Warrior Early Learning Center and elementary construction. These bonds were issued in 2021 and the final payment is scheduled for 2030. This construction project was $3.43 million.
The district has also used SAVE revenue in previous years to support the construction of the Activity Center ($1.6 million), install air conditioning in classrooms, purchase boilers at the high school, replace bleachers, resurface parking lots, and upgrade playground equipment, among other projects.
Why can't SAVE revenue pay for these projects?
Calamus-Wheatland CSD currently has its SAVE revenue allocated to pay for revenue bonds that were issued in 2021 and scheduled to be paid off in 2030. Revenue bonds do not require voter approval and are paid by leveraging a school district's future SAVE revenue.
→ SEE HOW IOWA SCHOOL DISTRICTS ARE FUNDED
How many years are needed to pay off the general obligation bonds?
The repayment period will be determined by the Board of Education during bond sales. Typically, general obligation bonds have a term of around 20 years, but this can vary. There are also options to structure the bonds to allow for refinancing to better rates or early payoff.
Why should we move forward with these improvements now?
Addressing the district’s facility needs in Calamus and Wheatland will ensure our students have the educational opportunities and resources they need to engage in 21st century learning. Delaying this project will lead to higher costs due to inflation, rising material and labor costs, and increasing interest rates, among other factors.
What are Calamus-Wheatland’s enrollment trends?
Certified enrollment in 2023-24 was 362. From 2001 to 2010, Calamus Wheatland Community School District K-12 enrollment was moderately steady. Since 2010, the district has seen enrollment decline by 24% (533).
When is election day?
The election will be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Where should I vote on election day?
Polling locations can be found on the Iowa Secretary of State’s website at https://sos.iowa.gov/elections.
Do I need an ID to vote?
Yes. A valid ID is necessary in order to cast a ballot. More information is available on the Iowa Secretary of State’s website at https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/voterinformation/voteridfaq.html.
How do I register to vote?
Eligible voters must complete a voter registration form and return it to their county auditor’s office before election day.
Can I cast an absentee ballot in this election?
Yes. Registered voters who live in the district can request a mailed absentee ballot ahead of election day through the Clinton County Auditor’s Office or Scott County Auditor’s Office, depending upon your home address. The first day that voters can request a mailed absentee ballot is August 27. Ballots will be mailed starting October 17.
To receive a mailed absentee ballot, complete a request form and return it to your county auditor’s office. The deadline to request a mailed ballot is October 21. Ballots must be received by your county auditor’s office before the polls close at 8:00 p.m. on election day to be considered for counting.
In-person absentee voting begins on October 16 and can be completed at your county auditor’s office.
-
Clinton County Auditor’s Office is located at 1900 N. 3rd Street, Clinton.
-
Scott County Auditor’s Office is located at 600 W. 4th Street, Davenport.