TRAER — North Tama will put two public measures up for a vote on March 7.

The first measure, Public Measure TY, would allow the district to issue up to $14.25 million in general obligation bonds in order to build, furnish, and equip a new addition at the high school – phase 1 of a planned four-phase facilities upgrade.

The G.O. bonds would be used together with sales tax bond proceeds.

The second measure, Public Measure TZ, would allow the district to levy at a higher rate – more than $2.70 per $1,000 of the assessed value of taxable property in the school district but not exceeding $4.05 per $1,000.

If the second measure receives a supermajority and passes but the first measure does not, the district cannot move forward with phase 1 of the planned high school addition and critical upgrades.

“An approved bond issue on March 7 would allow the district to effectively address North Tama’s most pressing facility needs,” North Tama Superintendent David Hill said. “The improvements would protect the investment our community has made in our schools and ensure our students continue to have access to a high-quality educational experience.”

Phase 1 includes an 18,000 sq. ft. high school addition built to the east of the current building and an approximately 5,600 sq. ft. renovation of the current building. Renovations include security upgrades, athletic area reconfiguration to allow for better accessibility, weight room expansion, paving of the existing back parking lot, and selective maintenance of other areas.

The phase 1 high school addition would allow for the 1917 structure – currently housing high school classrooms – to be demolished and replaced in a subsequent phase 2. A one-story building would be erected in its place with art, library, commons, kitchen, receiving, storage, admin, and pupil services spaces.

“The proposed plan is based heavily on the input of our community and the comprehensive study of all district buildings and facilities, conducted in 2021,” Supt. Hill said. “The school board took the study results as well as taxpayer feedback shared in numerous community meetings along with community survey results to create a plan that balances the needs of our students with those of our property taxpayers.”

“The Board of Education believes that the time has come to address these needs and ensure our students continue to have access to the resources, opportunities, and facilities they need to thrive.”