New Jr./Sr. High School Plan

What a new Jr./Sr. High School can do for district students and communities:

  • A new facility will be healthier and more environmentally friendly;
  • A new facility will be more energy efficient and cost effective;
  • A new facility will meet technology needs and better prepare our children for the ever-changing world;
  • A new facility will attract families to our communities;
  • A new facility will attract businesses to our communities and create more employment;
  • A new facility will help our local economies experience growth and help inject funds into our communities;
  • A new facility will help attract staff and retain current employees;
  • A new facility will provide greater support for our fine arts and athletic programs;
  • A new facility will allow us to host athletic tournaments and other district and community events not previously possible; and
  • A new facility will allow for expansion if enrollment increases in the future.

Click here for more information on how school facilities effect learning.

Attracting Families:

Families with school-age children typically evaluate the schools available when relocating. Nearby communities currently have a competitive edge with newer educational facilities. Vinton-Shellsburg, East Buchanan, Center Point-Urbana, Jesup, North Linn, and Union (La Porte City) have made or are making improvements to their school buildings.

Need for a School Bond to Finance Project:

The funding options are: general obligation bonds, Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL) and/or School Infrastructure Local Option Sales Tax (SILO) fund proceeds, grants, an donations. A portion of the SILO fund will be used to help pay for the new high school.

Plans for Current Jr. / Sr. High School:

Options are being considered. The building will not become a nuisance; it will be salvaged and demolished if necessary.

Design Plans for the New Jr./Sr. High School Facility:

While no final design plans have been drawn up, there are conceptual renderings and ideas to help everyone visualize what our new school may look like. Finalized floor plans will not be prepared until after an approved bond issue. We know the square footage we are bonding for and how much space we have to work with.

Click here to view the interactive conceptual plan.

Click here to download and print the conceptual plan.

Click here to view a photo gallery of 3D renderings.

New Jr./Sr. High School Gymnasium and Auditorium:

The new school will have a larger, regulation-size gymnasium qualifying our district to host tournaments and other district events not previously possible. An auditorium is planned, allowing for a proper place to display our district talent in music, theatre and other fine art activities in an acoustically, comfortable, and appropriate venue. An auditorium will also allow us to host non-school district productions for the community.

Location of the New Jr./Sr. High School Facility:

The new school will be situated on the property located west and south of the East-West Elementary campus area. The facility will be positioned facing west along Iowa Avenue with access roads leading to the new school directly from Iowa Avenue.

Condition of the building site:

The land is presently being used for crop production. Terracon Consultants, Inc., an engineering consulting firm from Cedar Falls, conducted a preliminary geotechnical engineering report in May 2005. The subsurface explorations concluded that the “site soils are adequate to support the anticipated structure on spread footings.” Maps designate a portion of the southernmost and easternmost parts as wetlands, but the facility plan currently being discussed places the building on the west side of the property.

Additional Opportunities for District Children:

Logically placed and suitably-sized classrooms will give teachers and students the opportunity for more projects involving teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Construction Timeline for New Jr./Sr. High School Facility:

The schedule for the project is as follows:

  • September 13, 2011 – Referendum Election
  • February 29, 2012 – Design and specifications complete
  • April 10, 2012 – Ground breaking
  • August 1, 2013 – Substantial completion
  • August 2013 - Classes begin in new building!