RIVERSIDE

The Highland School Board is on the lookout for 100 signatures.

A petition, with those signatures, is the first step toward getting a bond referendum on the November 2024 ballot for consideration.

Schools Superintendent Ken Crawford told the Board at a work session Monday (Feb. 26) that the district needs only 83 signatures, per state code, but he’s aiming higher.

“In my mind, we’ll need 100 signatures,” he said.

The new bond issue, if passed in the November election, would produce funds of up to $14.7 million that the district intends to use for new and improved facilities at both the High School/Middle School and the Elementary School.

Locker room improvements and additions at the High School emerged as the top project following an examination of facilities that lasted months and involved school staffers and district residents.

Other top recommendations included the building of a multi-purpose center that would be used for large events and athletic teams, a renovation of the front area of Highland Elementary School and the addition of four classrooms, and a renovated commons area at Highland High School where the front lobby and cafeteria now exist.

A new bond would go into effect at the same time as the old bond would be paid off, resulting in no new additional taxes, Crawford said. The current bond will be paid off in Fiscal Year 2025 with a new bond beginning in FY26.

The current schools tax levy is $13 per $1,000 of property, a rate that has fallen in recent years. A public hearing on the FY25 tax levy is set for March 25.

In addition to the recommendations made by a facilities study committee, Crawford is still hoping for enough available funds to create and update more parking space at the high school.

“We have a very big need for a parking lot,” Crawford said.

During big events, the lack of parking space results in vehicles being parked along Vine Avenue, a high-speed county road with a posted speed limit of 55 miles an hour.

Conceptual drawings and designs will be created by OPN Architects, an Iowa City engineering firm that was contracted by the district.

During the years of the new potential bond, school taxes are still liable to change and possibly even increase. The taxes change due to a number of funding issues, including state money. A new bond, Crawford said, only replaces the current retiring bond and is tax neutral.

“If your taxes fluctuate, it won’t be because of the bond issue,” Crawford said.

Principals Update

Monday’s meeting also included a number of academic updates by Elementary School Principal Jane O’Leary and High School/Middle School Principal Angela Hazelett.

Next Meeting

The board will hold its next meeting at 5 p.m. March 11.