Winfield-Mt. Union school district voters asked to approve $3.2 million bond

The Winfield-Mt. Union school district is asking its voters to vote in favor of a $3.25 million bond.

The district is looking to construct a new gym and expand the industrial technology center along with the weight room.

Their current situation is not ideal for school competitions and other school activities.

The proposed 14,300-square-foot facility would be located across the street from the school. The purchasing of the land where the gym would sit is not part of the bond referendum.

It's planned that the gym will have a regulation-sized court, including a stage with seating on one side. Approximately 450 can be seated inside.

Locker rooms, a lobby and a kitchen area are included in the gym plans.

This area would be used as a concessions stand. Eventually, the space could be used for community events.

The industrial technology center is a separate building located about a block from the school.

A 1,080-square-foot expansion to the building is needed to improve the program's quality, the district says.

The third and final part of the project is a 1,200-square-foot addition to the school's weight room.

The proposed extension to the weight room is in large part due to the size of the room. It can become crowded at times, which affects the safety of the students.

The bond referendum will require a $1.60 per $1,000 valuation additional debt service levy for residential properties that have been in the district for 20 years.

The levy would add around $1.49 per $1,000 of assessed value in taxes for agricultural property in the district.

Voting will be Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Comments: hunter.moeller@southeastiowaunion.com