Facilities/Bond FAQ

Below is an initial FAQ regarding the upcoming Bond vote.  Please ask questions or share your thoughts by posting a comment on this post.  I will use the feedback to update the FAQ.

Sincerely,

Tim Kuehl

February 4, 2014 Bond Vote FAQ

1.    What is happening on February 4, 2014?

a.     Voters will have the opportunity to vote on a proposed $48 million Bond Referendum on February 4, 2014.

b.     The $48 million is an absolute maximum, which cannot be exceeded.

c.      CCA schools are limited to a total debt service levy of $4.05/$1000 valuation, as approved in the 2006 vote.  This levy rate limits total debt service revenues available to the district.  Our goal is to maximize the revenue available to meet the current needs of our students and provide flexibility as we continue to grow.  We strive to maintain and improve our students’ excellent educational opportunities while being responsible stewards of local tax revenue.

2.    How would Bond approval by the voters impact the tax rate at CCA?

a.     Currently the total property tax rate at CCA is $15.11/$1000.  The total debt service levy rate is currently $3.89/$1000.  A portion of the debt service levy expires this year, $1.75/$1000. Taking into account the continued increase in district valuation and the ability of the Board to manage other components of the levy rate, i.e. cash reserve levy and management levy, it is realistic to expect the total tax rate for CCA to remain stable.

b.     The CCA tax rate is very comparable to schools of a similar size.  Due to our growth we do have a higher debt service than most districts (Debt service is included in the overall rate). 

District	Overall Tax Rate
Benton	12.31
Center Point-Urbana	17.51
CCA	15.11
Independence	17.28
Marion	17.46
Vinton-Shellsburg	15.53
Williamsburg	14.15
Solon	16.00

3.    What buildings/updates are included in the Bond?

a.     A new elementary building will be constructed on the East side of the district.  The District is currently negotiating for land in the Tiffin area.  This elementary would be of a similar design and size to the current North Bend Elementary.  The new elementary will have a capacity of approximately 450 students.

b.     An addition to the Middle School will be designed to house approximately 500 students.  The plan is to complete that construction, then remodel the current middle school facility, including electrical, and HVAC (air conditioning) upgrades.  Ultimately 6^th graders will be in the current facility with 7^th and 8^th graders in the new addition.  Total instructional capacity of the middle school will be approximately 750 students.

c.      Additions to the High School will include the first of two academic wings and the addition of weight and wrestling rooms on the south side of the high school.  The current weight and wrestling rooms will be remodeled into a practice gymnasium, as was planned in the original design.  These additions will raise the instructional capacity of the high school to approximately 900 students.

d.     Updates to the electrical and HVAC (air conditioning) systems at Amana Elementary. 

e.     Elementary enrollment is projected to exceed the capacity of our three elementary buildings during the 15-16 school year.

4.    Where will the new elementary building be?

a.     The proposed elementary building will be located at the NE corner of Highway 6 and Jasper Avenue.

b.     How will that relieve overcrowding in CCE and NBE?  Elementary boundaries will be developed in order to relieve overcrowding in North Bend and Clear Creek Elementary buildings.  Boundaries will be established with the objective of balancing attendance, until the time when an additional elementary school is needed.

c.      Will the Amana Elementary building be utilized?  Yes, the Board has expressed their intention to keep a PK-5 Elementary at the site.  During the 14-15 school year the Amana Elementary will need to be utilized to relieve pressure at Clear Creek Elementary.

5.    Will this take care of CCA’s facilities needs for a long time?

a.     With the projected growth in the Tiffin, North Liberty, and Coralville areas we anticipate the need to add to our facilities again in the next 5-10 years. 

b.     It is likely that the district will ask for another bond vote in about 5 years.  This will likely be for the second round of academic additions at the high school and possibly an additional elementary building.

c.      As we approach 10 years in the future, we will need to be moving on a second middle school and how to handle an overcrowded high school.  Possibly adding a second high school.

d.     Updates and improvements to current buildings will be possible in the future, as well.

For more detailed information please see the blog:  timkuehlcca.blogspot.com.  Also, feel free to call Mr. Tim Kuehl at 319-828-4510, or email at timkuehl@ccaschools.org.