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BOND REFERENDUM 2025

Sigourney Community School District is calling for an election on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, asking voters to consider a single ballot question to authorize general obligation bonds not to exceed $9.9 million to address facility needs at Sigourney Junior/Senior High School.

Proposed improvements include upgrades to safety systems, accessibility enhancements, critical infrastructure modernization, and interior renovations to support student learning and well-being.

OFFICIAL QUESTION: WHAT WILL BE ON THE BALLOT?

Shall the Board of Directors of the Sigourney Community School District in the County of Keokuk, State of Iowa, be authorized to contract indebtedness and issue General Obligation Bonds in an amount not to exceed $9,900,000 to provide funds to remodel, repair, and improve the existing junior / senior high school, including HVAC, fire alarm, mechanical, plumbing, and security improvements?

VIDEO SERIES
Learn more by watching our brief referendum video series

Referendum Overview

Facilities

By Everyone, For Everyone

ADA Accessibility

How We Got Here

Our Community

PROJECT SUMMARY
Addressing facility needs at Sigourney Junior/Senior High School

Safety & Security

  • New secure front entry with pass-through visitor check-in and student services area

  • Fire alarm upgrades with voice-annunciation

Accessibility

  • ADA-compliant exterior and interior doors

  • ADA-compliant restrooms

Heating, Cooling & Ventilation

  • Replacement and upgrades to classroom heating and ventilation units (with option for future cooling capacity)

  • Gym HVAC upgrades for better airflow and dehumidification/cooling

  • New water heaters and hot water piping

Electrical & Energy

  • Updated main electrical systems and distribution

  • New energy management control system

Plumbing & Restrooms

  • Complete restroom renovations

  • Replacement of aging sanitary and water lines

Interior Improvements

  • Removal and abatement of asbestos flooring

  • Improved lunchroom access and circulation

CONCEPTUAL FLOOR PLANS
The final design phase comes after referendum funding is secured.

Project Scopes:

  1. New secure front entry with pass-thru visitor check-in.

  2. Renovate the restrooms to be ADA compliant.

  3. Open up the lunchroom walls for better circulation during events.

Sigourney Junior/Senior High School – Conceptual Floor Plan

pie chart

WHERE ARE DOLLARS BEING SPENT?

56%

Mechanical / Heating & Ventilation

18%

Safety, Security, Accessibility

17%

Electrical, Plumbing, Other Infrastructure

8%

Restrooms

1%

Programming / Educational

A CLOSER LOOK

Slider is playing
Renovated restrooms to meet ADA standards

OPEN HOUSE AND TOURS – JOIN US!

We are excited to extend an invitation to attend one of our two Open House and Tour opportunities, providing valuable insights into the upcoming November 4th referendum election. These events promise an opportunity for community members to engage with district leadership, inquire about the referendum election, and see areas of concern.

Open House and Tour #1

Wednesday, October 15, 2025
6:00–7:00 PM
Sigourney Jr/Sr High School Cafeteria

Open House and Tour #2

Wednesday, October 22, 2025
6:00–7:00 PM
Sigourney Jr/Sr High School Cafeteria

HOW DID WE GET HERE?

Facility Task force

Community Facility Task Force

Staff Ideation

Staff Engagement

Student Engagement

Student Engagement

The School Board’s intent is to bring forward a proposal that reflects a thoughtful balance of community priorities, facility needs, and financial responsibility.

  • Task Force members, made up of 33 community members, toured buildings, reviewed engineering reports, and evaluated long-term solutions that would be both educationally effective and fiscally responsible.

  • Staff priorities and student voices were key to the final plan.

  • The scope of this proposed plan reflects the top priorities of respondents to a community survey that was promoted through district communications tools and a postcard to every household in May 2025.

TAX IMPACT INFORMATION
(Estimated tax impact of the referendum provided by District financial consultant Piper-Sandler Finance Advisors.)

Tax Impact
Calculators

Calculate your residential or agricultural property tax impact by using the button below.

Tax Impact
Summary

View the Summary of Referendum Tax Impact to see all property types by using the button below.

Ag Land
Calculation Flyer

Do you own ag land? Learn how to calculate your tax impact by using the button below.

Iowa School
Funding Video

Informative guide aimed at helping Iowa taxpayers better understand how schools are funded.

Residential Tax Impact Quick View

Tax Impact Residential

Agricultural Tax Impact Quick View

Agricultural Tax Impact

*Actual average assessed valuation for 1 acre land: Keokuk County = $1,558/acre

TAX RATE HISTORY

did you know

tax chart

  • Still below the past. Even with the estimated $2.70 rate increase from the referendum, Sigourney’s total school tax rate would be about $14.07, still lower than it was from 2010 through 2016, when rates were in the $14.30–$14.90 range and above.

  • Savings and upkeep. Over the last 12 years, the district has steadily lowered the levy rate while continuing to take care of regular maintenance needs, providing a double benefit of safe, functional schools and meaningful taxpayer savings.

  • Most districts carry debt. Most Iowa school districts have ongoing debt, but Sigourney has not had debt in over 15 years. To complete larger projects, however, the district must borrow money—just as most other districts do—to protect and extend the life of our school buildings.

VOTING INFORMATION

Election Day

WHEN: Tuesday, November 4, 2025

TIME: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM

WHERE IS MY POLLING PLACE:
If you are not sure where to vote on election day, please visit the website below:

Absentee Voting

Vote Early: In-Person

For primary and general elections, absentee ballots will be available at your County Auditor’s office no earlier than 20 days before the election.

Vote Early: Absentee By Mail

A registered voter may make written application to their County Auditor for an absentee ballot. A written application for a mailed absentee ballot must be received by the voter's County Auditor no later than 5:00p.m. on October 20 (15 days before the election).

Need additional help regarding where to vote early or on election day?

Contact your County Auditor's Office:

Keokuk County Auditor's Office
101 S. Main, Sigourney, Iowa
641-622-2320

DO YOU HAVE A QUESTION?
If you didn't find the answer to your referendum question(s) on this website or by attending a community open house event, feel free to contact the district or submit a question using the button below.

Kevin Hatfield, Superintendent || 641-622-2025 || kevin.hatfield@sigourneyschools.com