District

2026 Bond Referendum - Vote November 3

Keota Community School District's school buildings have been serving our community since 1958 and 1970. Many of the systems that heat these buildings, carry their water, and keep students safe are well past their useful lives. This proposed plan addresses the top priorities that were identified through facility assessments, staff feedback, community meetings, and School Board discussions. These projects can't be deferred any longer. The plan is not to build something new, but to protect what the Keota community has already built. Fixing these problems now is the most fiscally responsible path. Waiting only makes it more expensive.

Together, We Invest In Our Students.

Together, We Invest In Keota's Future.

Plan Benefits:

- Enhance School Safety

- Adderss Aged Infrastructure

- Improve Learning Spaces

- Maintain Fiscally Responsible

The proposed bond referendum project scope includes:

SAFETY & SECURITY UPGRADES

- JR-SR HIGH UPPER LEVEL: Install permanent, fire-rated walls to create classrooms with lockable doors to comply with current fire code and modern educational safety standards.

- JR-SR HIGH SECURE ENTRY: Replace interior doors with new doors with access controls locks. System creates two points of security at main entrance during occupied hours.

- ELEMENTARY SECURE ENTRY: Replace aged interior doors at elementary entrance with new doors with access control looks. System allows for two points of security at main entrance during occupied hours.

- DISTRICT-WIDE FIRE ALARM UPGRADE: Upgrade existing fire alarm upgrade to comply with current building code requirements.

INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES

- JR-SR HIGH INFRASTRUCTURE UPDATES: + New HVAC System to replace obsolete equipment + Replace aged piping + Replace aged electrical service & distribution systems + Replace original windows + Replace original exterior doors

- JR-SR HIGH CLASSROOM UPDATES: + Replace original asbestos tile flooring + Replace original classroom cabinets + Replace original art, science, and FCS plumbing fixtures

- 1958 BUILDING PLUMBING UPDATES: + Replace original 1958 galvanized plumbing piping

Design Concept Layout

Conceptual design layouts are for visualization purposes only and do not represent final designs.

WHY NOW?

- Many systems are at the end of their life, and delaying increases long-term costs. Acting now protects students and preserves the districts assests.

- Rising construction costs make delays increasingly expensive.

TAX RATE IMPACT

- Under this plan, the tax levy is project to increase by $1.90 per $1,000 of taxable property value, a modest, transparent cost to protect the investment this community has already made in its schools. Use the tax rate impact table to gaudge/estimate your tax rate impact.

- Don't know your taxable valuation? Search for your property using Beacon Schneider resource links per your county: Keokuk | Washington.

TAX RATE IMPACT TABLE

JOIN US AT TOWN HALL MEETINGS & TOURS

- Wednesday, September 16 at 6:00 p.m. in the High School Auditorium

- Wednesday, October 14 at 6:00 p.m. in the High School Auditorium

As our community continues to learn more about the proposed bond issue, we know you may have questions about the projects, the need for the improvements, or what the proposal could mean for our community.

Our goal is to provide information, answer questions, and help our community understand what is being proposed.

If you have questions or would like to visit our facilities for a tour, please reach out to any of us. We would love the opportunity to visit with you, explain what we are doing, and show you firsthand the areas and needs that are part of the proposed project.

Dave Harper
641-919-2202
[email protected]

Seth Milledge
[email protected]

Heather Rosewall
[email protected]

Whether you have a big question, a small question, or simply want to learn more, please reach out. We believe an informed community is an important part of this process, and we welcome the opportunity to have conversations with our community. Questions are welcome. Tours are available. Let’s talk!

HOW TO VOTE

The election will be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and eligible voters must present a valid ID to receive a regular ballot and vote.

----> VIEW A SAMPLE BALLOT (Coming Soon) ----------->

There will be one (1) vote on the ballot for Keota Community School District bond issue.

Polling locations can be found on the Iowa Secretary of State’s website through the Find Your Polling Places at https://sos.iowa.gov/elections-voting.

Additional local election information is available through the

Keokuk County Auditor, Sigourney, IA | Phone: (641) 622-2320 -- Website: Keokuk County Auditor
Washington County Auditor, Washington, IA | Phone: (319) 653-7717 -- Website: Washington County Auditor

If you are not registered to vote, you can complete a registration form and return it to your county auditor’s office before October 19, 2026. You may also register on election day at your polling location.

Registered voters may request a mailed absentee ballot ahead of election day through the county auditor’s office. The first day voters can request a mailed absentee ballot is August 25, 2026. Ballots will be mailed starting October 14, 2026.

To receive a mailed absentee ballot, complete a request form and return it to the county auditor’s office. The deadline to request a mailed ballot is October 19. Ballots must be received by the auditor’s office before polls close at 8:00 p.m. on election day to be considered for counting.

In-person absentee voting will be available starting on October 14 at the county auditor’s office. This will be available weekdays until November 3 during regular business hours.