Sioux Center — The Sioux Center Community School District student population is rising and their school buildings are filled to capacity. That from Sioux Center Schools Superintendent Gary McEldowney, who tells us a bond issue vote is coming up on Tuesday to address the issue.
He explains the situation.
So, he says they’re looking at adding a fourth building to the three they have currently.
To help pay for the new facility, the district is going to the voters with a $24.9 million bond referendum, according to McEldowney.
According to the website detailing the bond issue, bondissue.org/warriors/, the 20-year referendum would mean approximately an additional $40 per year in taxes for the average homeowner. The site says the district will be using $14.7 million of money they already have on hand as well, for a total project cost somewhere around $39.6 million. Also on the site is a calculator that allows you to plug in the taxable valuation of your home to get an idea of the cost to your family. McEldowney says they realize it’s more money, but . . .
In talking with district residents, McEldowney says that from what people are saying, they have a reason to be cautiously optimistic about the fate of the bond issue. He characterizes the new facility as a “need,” not a “want,” due to the overcrowding in the current district buildings. He says he’s thankful that they have good relationships with other institutions in the community, including the Christian school community, Dordt College, and the City of Sioux Center, with whom they share facilities and work together.
We asked him about the condition of the existing three buildings.
McEldowney also gave accolades to the custodial staff, saying they do a great job with upkeep as well. He says they don’t see any short-term issues with any of their buildings. For reference, he says Kinsey Elementary was originally built in the 1960s, with a recent addition. The middle school building was built onto the high school in the 1990s and has also had an addition. The current high school was built in the 1970s.
According to McEldowney, the increase in enrollment is not expected to end anytime soon. And if that’s the case, he says in another ten to fifteen years, they might have to expand again.
He encourages those who are interested to find out more on the bondissue.org/warriors/ website, or by calling the school.
The Sioux County Auditor’s office says there is only one polling place for the election — the Terrace View Event Center on Sioux Center’s south side. They tell us polls will be open on Tuesday, February 5th, from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.
