Iowa (KCRG-TV9) -- School elections will be held across Iowa Tuesday, September 12. Polls are open from 7 .a.m to 8 p.m. Here’s what you need to know before you head to the polls:
Voter ID: You do NOT need an ID to vote Tuesday. The new state law requiring voters show a photo ID at the polls does not take effect until 2018 but some polling locations may be testing out the new scanners Tuesday. If you do not have a photo ID, you can still register and vote at the polls Tuesday.
Besides school board, voters will decide on several bonds and issues across eastern Iowa on Tuesday. Below is a summary of those bonds and issues votes – all bond votes need a 60% majority to pass.
1.)Kirkwood Community College – Renewal of a $60 million bond, 25 cents per $1,000 valuation. The money will pay for future projects for Kirkwood Community college. The money from the bond has previously been used to renovate classrooms and buildings, including the Iowa City campus, creating an Auto Tech Program center and renovated student center.
2.)Iowa City Schools - $192 million bond, 98-cents per $1,000 valuation. Bond will pay for substantial renovations across the district to upgrade facilities and add space. Some of the projects include renovating and adding new classrooms to eliminate temporary facilities, air conditioning, new athletic facilities, dedicated art and music rooms and security upgrades.
3.)Linn Mar - $80 million bond, $1-$1.50 per $1,000 valuation. Builds two 5th and 6th grade buildings and a new elementary building, renovate Bowman Woods, Indian Creek and Wilkins Elementary and build an addition to Excelsior Middle School.
4.)Dubuque Schools – Instructional Support Levy – Renewing the levy that supports educational programming, such as kindergarten and elementary teacher salaries and instructional supplies.
5.)Gladbrook-Reinbeck Future – Vote whether to dissolve the district and send students to surrounding districts. A vote Yes will dissolve the district while a vote No will preserve the district.
6.)Clear Creek Amana – $33.8 Million bond, No increase (rate is at state max) – The money will pay to build a new school in Tiffin for 4th and 5th grades to help handle growing enrollment. It will also fund a new addition to the high school, new gym for Clear Creek Elementary and several other buildings upgrades.
7.)Dunkerton - $6 million bond, no change as it continues the rate used for the new high school bonds. The new bond will pay for a new Elementary building with the old one built in 1921 in danger of being condemned and torn down in 2019.
8.)Edgewood Colesburg – $7 million bond, “little change” to tax rate. This bond is slightly smaller than one voted down in February, despite 57% supporting it (it needed 60%). This bond includes updating air conditioning, replacing windows and other maintenance items. It does not include a new high school gym or entrance. The district says the tax rate would match the current $2.70 per $1,000 valuation because the school board would be expected to change other rates if voters approve this bond.
9.)West Branch – $19.8 million bond, $2.46 per $1,000 valuation. A similar bond failed in February with 56% support (needed 60% to pass). The bond will build a new wing to the high school to make it one building. There are two votes – one to issue the bonds and one to raise the levy to pay for those bonds.
Find your polling location: https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/voterreg/pollingplace/search.aspx