What are the district’s needs?

After completing a significant interior renovation in 2012 and a gymnasium and locker room addition in 2016, the district has remained committed to preserving and maintaining its facilities with care. However, aging infrastructure, evolving educational needs, and community expectations require targeted investment to ensure the district buildings remain safe, functional, and future-ready. This bond proposal is the product of deep community listening, responsible planning, and a drive to meet needs—not wants. By emphasizing critical repairs, safety and code compliance, and modernization efforts that support diverse learners, Montezuma CSD is presenting a plan that balances fiscal responsibility with long-term stewardship of district assets. This is not a proposal for expansion—it is a proposal to preserve, protect, and prepare. It ensures Montezuma Schools remain a pillar of pride, safety, and opportunity for years to come.

What is the proposed solution to address those needs?

Building improvements include: Classroom renovations including general finishes, casework, and electrical outlet expansion, full renovation of the 1958 locker rooms, restroom renovations, roofing replacements and classroom furniture throughout. Site improvements include a new track around the football field, new concessions and restrooms that serve football, track, baseball and softball, baseball field improvements, softball field relocation, and site fencing.

Was the community involved in creating this proposed solution?

District leadership took a methodical approach to engaging with and listening to the Montezuma community. Through a Facility Wisdom Group consisting of 25 community members, it was made abundantly clear the project was too much of a financial burden and consisted of many 'wants' instead of 'needs.' In addition to the Facility Wisdom Group, a Core Planning Team consisting of staff educational leaders were engaged to understand areas where the educational environment was lacking.

Why should we move forward with these improvements now?

Montezuma CSD has been fiscally responsible and methodical with its maintenance and capital improvements over the years. These improvements are proposed in an effort to continue our methodical approach to provide the best educational and extracurricular environments for our students and staff. Many of the proposed improvements are replacing original equipment, renovating spaces that have not been updated, replacing unusable assets, or consolidating services to streamline maintenance costs over time. •Facilities Are Aging: Many key systems and finishes date back to the 1950s through the 1980s and are due for repair or replacement. •Program Needs Have Evolved: The needs of learners today, especially students with specialized support needs, require updated and inclusive spaces. •A Smarter, More Efficient Plan: This proposal builds on lessons from the 2022 vote—focusing only on the highest priorities with the broadest support. •Fiscal Responsibility: By leveraging multiple funding sources and scaling the project to what is essential, Montezuma CSD is safeguarding community investments while planning for the future.

Where would the new activities facilities be located?

See below renderings of projects.

Will the name of the field remain the same?

Yes, the Badger-Gabriel Field name remains.

Why are we proposing this bond referendum now?

Many of the needs proposed in the last bond referendum are still needs. The district has been very diligent and methodical in evaluating needs vs wants and has significantly scaled back the project scope. The proposed improvements to our learning environments and site improvements will directly impact students on day one.

What is the total cost of the project and how is it being paid for?

The total cost of the project is estimated to be $12,500,000. This would use a combination of the following financing plan: $6,250,000 GO Bond. $5,000,000 SAVE, and $1,200,000 from PPEL. The GO (General Obligation) bond ask would increase the levy rate by .92 cents. The SAVE borrowing does not impact property taxed. The PPEL contribution would use approximately .32 cents of the total $1.34 allowed by the district.

How much will this raise my taxes?

$0.92 cents per $1,000 taxable valuation.

Will community members get to vote on the proposed solution to the district's facilities needs?

Yes. Registered voters who reside in the Montezuma CSD will be able to consider the school bond issue on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. Polling locations can be found on the Iowa Secretary of State’s website at https://sos.iowa.gov/elections. Additional local election information is available on the Poweshiek County Auditor’s Office website.

How many questions will there be on the ballot in November?

1 question.

Why is this important?

Question 1 is to approve the project and raise the levy to $0.92 per $1,000 taxable valuation.

What is the question that will appear on the ballot?

“Shall the Board of Directors of the Montezuma Community School District in the County of Poweshiek, State of Iowa, be authorized to contract indebtedness and issue General Obligation Bonds in an amount not to exceed $6,250,000 to provide funds to remodel, repair, improve, furnish and equip its existing educational facility, including roof replacements, locker room renovations, classroom renovations, restroom renovations, classroom furniture, and site improvements, including a new track, concessions, restrooms, softball field, site fencing, and playground?”

How do I register to vote?

Eligible voters must complete a voteregistration form and return it to the Poweshiek County Auditor’s Office before election day.

Who can vote?

To vote in Iowa in 2025, you must be a U.S. Citizen, an Iowa resident, at least 18 yers old (or turning 18 by the election day), not a convicted felon unless your rights have been restored, and not be judged mentally incompetent to vote.

Do I need an ID to vote?

Yes. A valid ID is necessary in order to cast a ballot. More information is available on the Iowa Secretary of State’s website at https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/voterinformation/voteridfaq.html.

Can I cast an absentee ballot in this election?

Yes. Registered voters may request a mailed absentee ballot ahead of election day through the Poweshiek County Auditor’s Office. The first day that voters can request a mailed absentee ballot is August 26. Ballots will be mailed starting October 16. To vote by absentee ballot in Iowa, 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 5:00pm 15 days before the election. Click here for a Absentee Ballot Request Form. (LINK: https://sos.iowa.gov/voters/absentee-voting)

To receive a mailed absentee ballot, complete a request form and return it to the auditor’s office. The deadline to request a mailed ballot is October 20. Ballots must be received by the auditor’s office before the polls close at 8:00 p.m. on election day to be considered for counting.

In-person absentee voting begins on October 15 and can be completed at the Poweshiek County Auditor’s Office. This office is open weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and is located at 302 East Main P.O. Box 57 Montezuma, IA 50171

What time can I vote on Tuesday, November 4, 2025?

Voters can vote at polls from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.

What is the timeline of the project after the project?

Design will finish Fall of 2025 and will include user group meetings to ensure all priorities are addressed. Tentative bidding will take place in the spring of 2026 with work to begin soon after.

• Design 8 months

• Construction: Phased over 18 months

• Anticipated 1st track Season 2027

• Anticipated science and locker room renovation completion August 2027

How can I get involved?

Contact Superintendent Schulte and all Montezuma CSD board members are available to share information, answer questions, and present to community groups. Please reach out to connect, learn more, and be part of shaping our future.