Frequently Asked Questions

What are the district’s needs?

Our district’s facility needs are found throughout our schools and hinder our ability to provide the best possible learning opportunities for our students.

Specifically, our needs include:

The elementary classrooms have not been updated since the 1960s. Most Iowa classrooms that are 50-60 years old have been renovated at least once during that time.
The elementary classrooms are outdated and not well suited for the demands of 21st century learning to prepare our students for future careers.
The current elementary gym is used for lunch and PE classes. Because of that, it’s difficult to coordinate schedules.

Water enters the elementary building whenever it rains.
The press box at the stadium sways in the wind. This is a safety hazard that prevents broadcasts from taking place from the press box.

The school district has been a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars and has looked for ways to reduce the impact on taxpayers as we maintain our facilities. However, we are at a point at which we cannot delay addressing our facility needs any longer.

By acting now, we believe we can address these needs that will ensure we continue to provide excellent learning environments for students now and in the years to come.

What would happen if these needs are not addressed?

If we do not address these needs soon, the outstanding schools our community members have come to expect could be jeopardized. We believe the time has come to address our facility needs to ensure students continue to have access to the resources and spaces they need to be successful in Corning Community Schools.

What is the proposed solution on the ballot March 7?

If the $19.2 million bond is approved, the district would be able to move forward with key facilities upgrades that will benefit students across all grade levels. These include:

East classroom additions at the elementary school
Elementary safe room upgrade to better protect students and staff during severe weather
Addition of a new elementary gymnasium
Bringing elementary restrooms in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Renovations to the central building
West pod renovation to create new early childhood education space
New fences, dugouts, press box, concessions, bleachers, and accessibility upgrades at the baseball and softball fields
Replacement of the wooden playground structure at the elementary school

An approved bond would have a forecasted property tax impact of $7.75 per year ($0.65 per month) on a home with an assessed value of $100,000. Even with an approved bond, the district’s tax rate would be the third lowest it has been over the last 14 years. View the updated financing plan for the bond vote

How has the community been involved in this process?

Our community was the driving force behind the process to address our school district’s facility needs. Over the past several months, a community-led committee has been meeting regularly to tour the district’s facilities and gain a better understanding of the most pressing challenges.

District leaders and the board also recently launched a community-wide survey, which asked a series of questions related to the district’s needs and potential solutions. A total of 293 respondents completed the survey, and 72% agreed or strongly agreed that the district's most urgent facility needs must be addressed now.

Additionally, 66% of respondents indicated they would support a March 2023 bond vote if key improvements were included and the tax rate impact did not exceed $1.35 per $1,000 of assessed property valuation.

We will continue to seek this high level of community engagement right up to election day.

Will community members get to vote on this?

Yes. The School Board has approved a bond issue question that will appear on the ballot Tuesday, March 7, 2023.

How would an approved bond affect property taxes?

The district and board aim to keep property taxes as low as possible in our community and will continue to work to balance the needs of our students and schools with those of our community members as we invest in their local schools.

How much revenue would an approved bond generate for the district?

If approved, the bond would provide the district with $19.2 million in additional revenue to address its space and facility needs.

When is election day?

The bond question will appear on a special election ballot Tuesday, March 7, 2023. This is a special school election date, as authorized by the Iowa Secretary of State. Find a sample ballot here.

Planning for the Future of Corning Schools