Spirit Lake, IA (Northwestiowanow.com) — The Spirit Lake School Board voted unanimously Wednesday night to pursue a bond issue that would replace the oldest portions of the elementary and high schools with new classrooms.

President Jeremy Mouw is hearing widespread support so far.

 

The architect is confidant all of the projects, fees, and contingencies can be covered for just under 70 million dollars.

The district’s financial consultant – Tim Oswald from Des Moines – says the district has not made construction-related bond payments since 2009.

 

 

Mouw says the administration and school board all agree it’s not worth sticking money into old facilities.

Superintendent Dr. David Smith says any resident of the Spirit Lake school district is willing to tour the buildings at any time, and they should not be fooled by the way things look from the street.

 

 

150 signatures will be gathered and the school board must meet in special session by next Wednesday to get the bond issue on the November 3rd General Election ballot. The plan would also add three classrooms at the Middle school, bring industrial back into the main high school building, add a second bus barn, and fund some other miscellaneous repairs.

The measure needs 60 percent approval for passage.