KDSN RADIO News
PRESS RELEASE: IKM-Manning Board Calls for Bond Vote for September 14
Board proposes a series of projects to address facility needs, provide students with 21st century learning opportunities
MANNING, IOWA — At its Tuesday meeting, the IKM-Manning Board of Education voted unanimously to call for a bond vote for September 14, 2021.
Voters will now have the opportunity to decide on the $19,950,000 General Obligation Bond. If approved, the district will be able to address a series of facilities needs in both Irwin and Manning.
Also at Tuesday’s meeting, the board heard the results of a community-wide survey, through which 81 percent of respondents indicated that they agreed or strongly agreed that the district should address its most pressing facility needs as soon as possible.
If approved, the bond would have a tax rate impact of an additional $9.88 per month ($0.33/day) on a home with a $100,000 assessed value. For agricultural properties, the impact would be between $2.63 and $3.16 per acre annually, depending on the location of the property. Residents can learn more about calculating the tax impact by visiting www.ikmmanningbond.org/taximpact.
“After a great deal of evaluation and study by the district and our board, we are pleased to be able to offer a proposal for the community’s consideration in September,” said Sam Hansen, Board President. “We know that we must address our facility needs soon so that we can ensure our students have the opportunities they need to truly thrive in the 21st century. If approved, the upcoming bond issue would give our school district the critical resources needed to make it happen.”
The proposed projects include a new middle school addition with new STEM, SPARK, science classrooms, maker spaces, library, activity commons, gym and locker rooms. The district would also renovate the existing middle school spaces in Manning and complete renovations at the high school, including career and technical education, ag and general classrooms, restrooms and a new media center.
The proposed projects would include possible renovations in band, vocal and art classrooms, as well as gymnasium and locker rooms. District administrative offices would be consolidated into one location in Manning, while Irwin Elementary School would remain open. The district would also implement a long-term maintenance plan and install new roofing over the entire existing building in Manning.
At Irwin Elementary, the district would move ahead with HVAC improvements, restroom ADA/accessibility renovations and playground renovations.
Additionally, the bond issue would fund upgrades to electrical, sprinkler, lighting and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems throughout the district. There would be a new bus loop and additional parking on the north side in Manning, along with safety and security upgrades across the district’s buildings.
Over the next several weeks, the district and board will hold a series of public meetings to allow community members to learn more about the proposed solution and offer their feedback on priorities. For more information visit www.ikmmanningbond.org.
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