Question 1

How was the decision made to pursue a bond referendum?

Accepted Answer

The School Board and administration have spent significant time in recent years examining the district’s facility needs and exploring potential solutions to the challenges that exist today.

An advisory facility committee that includes community members was created as part of this process. In June, this group provided the board with a recommendation to make investments in Sumner and Fredericksburg that would ultimately allow SFCSD to transition to two attendance centers — rather than the four in place today.

Question 2

Where would students be located under the two-building proposal?

Accepted Answer

The district’s youngest students would be located in Sumner and Fredericksburg through 2nd grade. Grades 3-4 from both communities would come together at Sumner, followed by grades 5-8 at Fredericksburg. High school students would remain in Sumner.

Question 3

What are the main goals of the bond in terms of facility improvements?

Accepted Answer

The bond will address essential upgrades such as heating and cooling systems (HVAC), building enhancements, and grade-level reconfiguration. Thee are all designed to improve the learning environment while ensuring the wise use of taxpayer dollars.

Question 4

What about the previous building designs shared with the community?

Accepted Answer

The designs presented so far are early-stage concepts meant to support conversation and gather feedback. They are not final and will evolve based on further input and professional planning.

Question 5

Why haven’t final designs been created yet?

Accepted Answer

To remain fiscally responsible, the district is waiting until after a successful bond vote to begin in-depth investment in design services. Final plans will be created in collaboration with construction and architectural professionals.

Question 6

What is the timeline for finalizing the designs after the bond passes?

Accepted Answer

If the bond is approved, the design and planning phase will take place over the following 6-8 months. It would involve architects, construction managers, and ongoing community engagement.

Question 7

How will staff and school leader input be incorporated into the final designs?

Accepted Answer

School community voices will play a key role. Teachers, district leaders, and community partners will form a team that will visit other schools, refine iterations of proposed designs, and refine the final facility design that reflects the shared values and student-centered priorities of SFCSD.  Teacher and district leader teams will provide input for every aspect of the design process.

Question 8

How would an approved bond referendum affect property taxes?

Accepted Answer

The maximum tax impact would be $2.70 per $1,000 of taxable property value. For a home assessed at $175,000, this equates to approximately $211.02 per year (or $17.58 per month).

Based on the average assessed value per county, the annual tax impact for agricultural property in Bremer County would be $3.62 per acre, $3.76 per acre in Chickasaw County, and $3.85 per acre in Fayette County.

Question 9

How does Sumner-Fredericksburg CSD’s levy rate compare to other districts?

Accepted Answer

When compared to neighboring districts and members of the North Iowa Cedar League, 14 school districts currently have a tax levy rate higher than SFCSD.

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Question 10

Why should we move forward with these projects now?

Accepted Answer

By acting now, we can address our needs and allow our schools to better serve future generations of students. Delaying the proposed bond referendum projects will lead to higher costs later due to inflation and rising material and labor costs, among other factors.

Question 11

What is the question that will appear on the ballot?

Accepted Answer

Voters will see the following question on the ballot on Tuesday, November 4, 2025:

Shall the Board of Directors of the Sumner-Fredericksburg Community School District in the Counties of Bremer, Chickasaw, and Fayette, State of Iowa, be authorized to contract indebtedness and issue General Obligation Bonds in an amount not to exceed $16,250,000, together with proceeds of School Infrastructure Sales, Services, and Use Tax Revenue Bonds, to construct, build, furnish, and equip additions to the High School and Middle School buildings and to remodel, repair, and improve those existing buildings, including HVAC, playground, parking, and site improvements, and for demolition of Durant Elementary?

Question 12

When is election day?

Accepted Answer

The election will be held on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and polling locations can be found on the Iowa Secretary of State’s website.(https://sos.iowa.gov/elections-voting)

More information is available in the How to Vote (https://www.bedfordreferendum.org/voting)section.

Question 13

Can I cast an absentee ballot in this election?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Registered voters may request a mailed absentee ballot ahead of election day through their county auditor’s office. The first day that voters can request a mailed absentee ballot is August 26. Ballots will be mailed starting October 15.
 
To receive a mailed absentee ballot, complete a request form (https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/pdf/absenteeballotapp.pdf)and return it to your auditor’s office. The deadline to request a mailed ballot is October 20. Ballots must be received by your auditor’s office before the polls close on election day (November 4) to be considered for counting.
 
In-person absentee voting will be available at your county auditor’s office starting on October 15.  Voting will be available weekdays during regular business hours until November 3.

BOND REFERENDUM

Tuesday, November 4, 2025