FOCUSED ON THE FUTURE
BOND REFERENDUM | TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2024
A NEW ERA AT WEST MARSHALL
The mission of the West Marshall Community School District is to prepare today's students for the many challenges they will face tomorrow. To fulfill this mission, our children must have the resources and opportunities they need for success. This is made possible by continued investments in our schools.
Since the district formed in the early 1960s, West Marshall CSD has become synonymous with community pride and achievement. However, the challenges we face every day are similar to the issues many rural school districts throughout Iowa deal with on a daily basis.
Our certified enrollment has fallen by more than 11% in the past 20 years, going from 858 students in 2003-04 to 757 a year ago. Fortunately, West Marshall CSD has experienced strong open enrollment gains of more than 300% in that time, amounting to 168 students a year ago.
Today, our students occupy three schools in State Center, the oldest facility being a three-story brick structure constructed in 1923 that is home to grades 4-5. The building received a new mechanical system in 2012, but one classroom was lost after it was used to house heat pumps and air-handling units. After 12 years of operation, the mechanical control systems are outdated and no longer manufactured.
Reminders of the school's age and declining condition are readily clear to visitors. This includes significant damage caused by leaks and moisture, outdated plumbing, electrical and mechanical systems, deteriorating fixtures and finishes, and needed tuck pointing and exterior improvements, among others.
Continuing to maintain aging schools is not a practical or cost-effective plan for our district. The safety requirements and education standards expected in the 21st century also are not conducive to buildings originally constructed a century ago.
West Marshall CSD also lacks the proper space and equipment needed for modern career and technical education at the high school level. It's crucial that we expand these programs to give our students hands-on training and experience to prepare them for a multitude of careers in skilled trades.
On Tuesday, November 5, the voters of our communities will consider a $14 million bond referendum. If approved, this proposal would reshape education at West Marshall and provide stability that will strengthen our district to serve future generations.
The decision to pursue a bond referendum was the result of extensive planning by West Marshall CSD's leaders. We created a School Bonding Advisory Committee to examine the district's facility needs and determine if the timing is right to consider additional funding. Among the committee’s priorities were:
- To offer superior academics and rigorous programming within a “safe learning facility and instructional environment.”
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To become a decorated school in academic programming and all activities where 80% or more students participate in fine arts, athletics, clubs/organizations, outside of the traditional bell to bell school day!
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To give graduates a reason to come back and watch their children thrive at West Marshall CSD, building capacity to shape the economy for the betterment of our district.
WMCSD will host a community meeting to provide more information about the November 5 bond referendum and give residents an opportunity to ask questions.
This meeting will be Wednesday, October 23 from 6-8 pm. at the high school auditorium.
COMMUNITY MEETING
