Creating opportunities
for lifelong learning
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are the district’s needs?
West Side Early Childhood Center was constructed in 1939 and John Cline Elementary School opened for students 1964. Both buildings have proudly served generations of children, but many problems exist today because of the schools’ aging infrastructure and systems. It has been determined that continued investments in the existing facilities is not practical or cost-effective.
What is the proposed solution to address these needs?
The district has proposed the construction of a new elementary school that would replace West Side and John Cline on property that was acquired by Decorah CSD in October 2023.
How much will the new elementary school cost?
The estimated cost of the project is between $30-$38 million.
Where would the new school be located?
In October 2023, the district purchased land owned by the City of Decorah for $1.97 million. The property is on the Heivly Island location, west of John Cline. The city’s North Alley District Master Plan includes planned space for a new elementary school.
How will the proposed location affect traffic?
One of the many benefits of the downtown location near John Cline is the ability to provide multiple egress pathways for vehicles. By their nature, traffic patterns around schools are often challenging. Claiborne Drive, being one of the widest streets in town, is able to accommodate double-sided parking, two-way traffic, and queuing of school traffic. That said, moving the school a little farther to the west will likely provide an opportunity to reduce vehicle queuing and improve congestion through the corridor.
This location is also situated so that most “normal” traffic flow can avoid the area entirely. Traffic that is not associated with the school(s) can bypass streets where temporary congestion may be occurring. Putting the school in another location would not necessarily lead to a reduction in congestion issues as much as it would transfer the problem to a different location—and in some cases actually make the problem worse.
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​While another proposed location does not currently exist, locations that have been evaluated have fewer egress options and would likely lead to increased disruptions in normal traffic flow.
The Board of Education has actively studied the needs of John Cline Elementary School and West Side Early Childhood Center since 2012.
What type of building is being proposed?
The proposed design adheres to traditional school construction. It will feature (add details).
What is the estimated timeline for the project if the bond passes?
If the bond issue is approved by voters, Decorah CSD would immediately commence the design stage, estimated to span 7-10 months. During this period, detailed layout and design decisions will be finalized. Following this, the project would be open for bids, with construction potentially beginning in DATE.
The ideal timeline targets the new elementary school to be ready by the beginning of the DATE school year, but other circumstances could create delays.
Was the community involved in creating this proposed solution?
Yes. The decision to pursue construction of a new elementary school is the culmination of more than 16 years of research and planning by the Board of Education, administration, and recommendations from committees that included community members. (Include timeline graphic)
Will community members get to vote on the proposed solution to the district's facilities needs?
Yes. Registered voters who reside in the Decorah CSD will be able to consider the school bond issue on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.
How would an approved bond affect property taxes?
If the project is approved by voters, the existing $2.70 tax levy rate will be extended to cover the cost along with SAVE, PPEL, and other financing options. The overall tax levy rate will NOT be increased to fund a new school.
How is the property tax impact calculated?
Due to the Homestead rollback and other factors, property owners need to use a several-step process to calculate their property tax impact. This process is outlined below:
Include a graphic showing step-by-step how this is calculated and what portion of the tax bill the school district is responsible for
How does Decorah CSD's property tax rate compare to others in our region?
Include a graphic showing the rates of neighboring school districts
Why should we move forward with these improvements now?
By acting now, the district can address its elementary school needs and ensure our students have the learning environments and resources they need to engage in 21st century learning. Delaying this project will lead to higher costs later due to inflation, rising material and labor costs, and increasing interest rates, among other factors.
How long is the bond for and has the district ever paid off a general obligation bond ahead of time?
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What is the question that will appear on the ballot?
Voters will see the following question on the ballot November 5:
(Include ballot language and a copy of the sample ballot)
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.
Polling locations can be found on the Iowa Secretary of State’s website at https://sos.iowa.gov/elections. Additional local election information is located on the Winneshiek County Auditor’s Office website.
How do I register to vote?
Eligible voters must complete a voter registration form and return it to the Winneshiek County Auditor’s Office before election day.
Do I need an ID to vote?
Yes. A valid ID is necessary in order to cast a ballot. More information is available at https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/voterinformation/voteridfaq.html.
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Can I cast an absentee ballot in this election?
Yes. Registered voters may request a mailed absentee ballot ahead of election day through the Winneshiek County Auditor’s Office. The first day that voters can request a mailed absentee ballot is August 27. Ballots will be mailed starting October 17. (NOTE: There is a bill circulating the capitol that could move this up to October 14.)
To receive a mailed absentee ballot, complete a request form and return it to the auditor’s office. The deadline to request a mailed ballot is October 21. Ballots must be received by the 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 the Winneshiek County Auditor’s Office. This office is open weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and located on the second floor of the county courthouse, at 201 W. Main Street in Decorah.