Question 1

What is the proposed solution to address the AGWSR Community School District’s needs?

Accepted Answer

Our goal is to ensure the AGWSR Community School District continues to provide modern, safe, and efficient learning environments that support student success and reflect the pride our community has in its local schools.

Currently, there are issues and safety concerns that cannot be addressed through the district’s operational budget alone. Many school districts across Iowa are facing similar challenges due to budget constraints.

If the proposed bond issue is approved, the district would move forward with projects including: 
 • High school science and family & consumer science classroom renovations, along with renovations to the Industrial Technology classroom and shop space
 • Complete HVAC, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and roofing improvements
 • Construction of a multipurpose activities/recess facility, along with the relocation of the current playground
 • New bus barns at both Ackley and Wellsburg locations, with proper clearances for modern buses
 • Additional site improvements at school buildings and facilities

The proposal represents a comprehensive approach to addressing the district’s most pressing infrastructure needs in a single, coordinated effort.

Question 2

How was the decision made to pursue a bond referendum?

Accepted Answer

In November 2024, a proposed $14.45 million referendum for building repairs, improvements to learning spaces, and HVAC upgrades fell short of being approved by voters. After that vote, the district and board conducted further community and staff outreach to understand voter concerns and priorities.

As a result, the board has reduced the project scope by more than $2 million while maintaining focus on the most critical facility needs. This revised proposal demonstrates both fiscal responsibility and responsiveness to community input.

Question 3

How would an approved bond affect property taxes?

Accepted Answer

An approved general obligation bond referendum would have an estimated property tax impact of approximately $1.95 per $1,000 of taxable value (not assessed value).

For a $200,000 home in AGWSR CSD, this would result in an annual increase of approximately $175.53 (or $14.63 per month).

For a commercial property assessed at $1 million, the annual tax impact would be approximately $1,755.

The average yearly impact on agricultural properties in our area would be as follows:
 • Butler County: $2.69 per acre
 • Hardin County: $2.75 per acre
 • Franklin County: $2.82 per acre
 • Grundy County: $3.40 per acre

Question 4

Why should we move forward with these projects now?

Accepted Answer

Delaying essential repairs and upgrades will only result in higher costs in the future as systems and facilities continue to deteriorate. Addressing these needs now allows the district to act in a more efficient and fiscally responsible manner while ensuring safe and modern learning environments for students.

Question 5

Why are new bus barns needed? What is included in the project?

Accepted Answer

The existing bus barns and garages in Ackley and Wellsburg no longer meet the district’s needs. Both facilities lack the height, length, and width to safely accommodate modern school buses. Narrow bays frequently cause damaged mirrors, and temporary extensions have been added just to make operations possible.

In addition, the current buildings show significant wear:
 • Cracked exterior masonry
 • Roofs, gutters, and facades at the end of their useful life
 • Deteriorated, energy-inefficient windows and doors

AGWSR operates more buses than many districts its size because of the district’s geographic area. Protecting this fleet with safe, efficient facilities is essential to maintaining reliable transportation for students.

If approved, the bond would replace both outdated bus barns with modern facilities:
 • Wellsburg Bus Barn: Demolish and rebuild a 3,350 sq. ft. cold-storage barn, raise and repave the parking lot to address drainage issues
 • Ackley Bus Barn: Demolish and rebuild a 10,195 sq. ft. barn with a heated maintenance bay and cold storage

https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7999a3_91672b09683a419ca955c6222e16e06c~mv2.png

https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7999a3_87e2a8683f6d4697a3388dd702baeb96~mv2.png

Question 6

Why do bus barns cost more than farm or home buildings?

Accepted Answer

School district construction must meet commercial standards and safety codes that go beyond what a homeowner or farmer would typically need.

These requirements include:
 • Architectural design and planning
 • Demolition of the existing structures
 • Reinforced concrete slabs designed to handle buses
 • Ventilation systems for exhaust and carbon monoxide
 • Large overhead doors and operators
 • Proper lighting, storm drainage, and site paving

Even with cost-efficient post-frame (pole barn) construction, frost walls and other building code requirements add to overall expense.

Question 7

What is the question that will appear on the ballot?

Accepted Answer

Voters will see the following question on the ballot on Tuesday, November 4, 2025:

Shall the Board of Directors of the AGWSR Community School District in the Counties of Butler, Franklin, Grundy, and Hardin, State of Iowa, be authorized to contract indebtedness and issue General Obligation Bonds in an amount not to exceed $12,765,000 to provide funds to remodel, repair, improve, and equip the existing High School building, including science and family & consumer science classrooms and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), mechanical, plumbing, electrical, roofing, and site improvements; and to build, furnish, and equip a multipurpose activities/recess facility, and bus barns at the Ackley and Wellsburg locations, including site improvements?

Question 8

When is election day?

Accepted Answer

The election will be held on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and polling locations can be found on the Iowa Secretary of State’s website.(https://sos.iowa.gov/elections-voting)

Question 9

Can I cast an absentee ballot in this election?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Registered voters may request a mailed absentee ballot in advance through their county auditor’s office. The first day to request a mailed absentee ballot is August 26, 2025, and ballots will be mailed beginning October 15, 2025.

To receive a mailed absentee ballot, complete a request form (https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/pdf/absenteeballotapp.pdf)and return it to your auditor’s office. The deadline to request a mailed ballot is October 20. Ballots must be received by your auditor’s office before the polls close at 8:00 p.m. on election day (November 4) to be considered for counting.

In-person absentee voting will be available at your county auditor’s office starting October 15, 2025, and will continue on weekdays during regular business hours through November 3, 2025.