DES MOINES, Iowa — We're less than a month away from heading out to the polls, and there are a few referendums on the ballots aimed at improving central Iowa schools.
For Waukee Community Schools there will be two issues on the ballot. One is $180 million General Obligation Bond. If passed, the school intends to make large improvements to the high school auditorium, construct an new auditorium for South Middle School and build another elementary school. Other listed improvements are to their parking lots, safety and security updates as well as general facility maintenance.
The second is a request to extend the Physical Plant and Equipment Levy that is set to expire in 2026. The district's hope is to secure the funding now to ensure they can make improvements to grounds, equipment, remodels and transportation equipment.
Adel-De Seto-Minburn Community School District (ADM) has also placed a referendum on the ballot this year. The district is hoping to address some capacity issues, as they are currently using middle school classroom for their high schoolers. If the referendum is approved, $58 million will be allocated to the district.
The funds would be used to help ADM build a new 172,000 square foot high school that would serve 1,000 students. They are also hoping to construct an early education center and work on projects to help facilitate programming challenges and repairs for their 100-year-old building.
If you are a Dallas County resident within either of these school districts, you will be able to vote "yes" or "no" to these proposals in person on November 7th. You can also apply for an absentee ballot before Oct. 23, as that's the first day Iowans can participate in early in-person voting. Absentee ballot request forms are available at this link.