Question 1

How is the new bond proposal different from the project voted on in 2024?

Accepted Answer

In November 2024, 58% of voters approved a proposal to construct a new middle school for students in grades 4-8. This fell just short of the 60% needed to pass.

The total cost of that proposed project was $56 million, of which $38.51 million would have been paid with general obligation bonds.

Since that outcome, the district engaged with district residents. This process included a community survey in which several respondents expressed concerns about the project's total cost and the possibility of 4th graders attending a middle school.

If approved, the new bond proposal would support the construction of a $49 million middle school that would serve grades 5-8.

Question 2

What is the expected cost to build a new middle school?

Accepted Answer

The total expected costs would be $49 million.

Question 3

If the bond referendum is for $39.5 million, how are you paying for the rest of the project?

Accepted Answer

The remainder of the project cost will be covered through Secure an Advanced Vision for Education (SAVE)(https://educate.iowa.gov/pk-12/operation-support/school-facilities/funding#secure-an-advanced-vision-for-education-save) funds. This is a revenue stream available solely for school infrastructure needs or school district property tax relief.

We can borrow against future SAVE revenue to construct a new building to reduce the burden on local property taxpayers.

Question 4

What is the plan for the original building? Will it be demolished?

Accepted Answer

Students would continue to attend school in the building during construction. Once construction is complete, the existing building would be demolished and become green space. The demolition is already incorporated into the project cost.

Question 5

How would this project affect students, and where will they be housed during construction?

Accepted Answer

Students would remain in the current middle school during construction to avoid displacement. The project includes additional drop-off loops and updated design plans to enhance academic programming and improve school safety.

Question 6

How many years are needed to pay off the general obligation bonds?

Accepted Answer

The repayment period will be determined by the Board of Education during bond sales. Typically, general obligation bonds have a term of around 20 years, but this can vary. There are also options to structure the bonds to allow for refinancing to better rates or early payoff.

Question 7

I don't have any connection to the school system. How would I benefit?

Accepted Answer

A new middle school is more than just a building; it's a strategic investment in our community's future. By enhancing our educational infrastructure, we can drive significant positive change in three key areas: Population growth, property values, and local economic development.

A CATALYST FOR POPULATION GROWTH 
A high-quality school district is a powerful magnet for new residents. In an era where families are increasingly mobile, the quality of local schools is often the primary factor in their decision-making process.
 • Attracting new families: A new, modern middle school will signal a commitment to education, making Fairfield more attractive to young professionals and families with children who are looking for a place to settle down. This is particularly important for a town of our size, as attracting new residents is vital for sustained community vitality.

• Retaining current residents: For families already in Fairfield, a new school helps combat "brain drain." It provides a compelling reason for them to stay and raise their children here rather than seeking out a community with a more modern educational environment.

A BOOST TO PROPERTY VALUES
There is a clear and direct link between school quality and the value of local real estate. Investing in a new school will provide a tangible return on investment for all homeowners in Fairfield.
 • Increased demand and home values: Research consistently shows that homes in high-performing school districts have higher property values. A new middle school, symbolizing educational excellence, would increase demand for housing in Fairfield, leading to higher home values and faster sales times.

• Greater tax revenue: Higher property values result in increased property tax revenue. This creates a positive feedback loop: more revenue for the city can be reinvested into other community services and public projects, improving the overall quality of life for everyone.

A DRIVER FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Education is the foundation of a strong local economy. A new middle school directly contributes to this strength by supporting workforce development and business growth.
 • A stronger workforce: By providing a state-of-the-art learning environment, we can better equip our students with the skills and knowledge needed for future employment. A new school can offer enhanced career and technical education (CTE) programs tailored to the needs of local industries, ensuring that Fairfield businesses have a strong, homegrown talent pipeline.

• Attracting new businesses: Companies looking to relocate or expand are keenly aware of a community's educational infrastructure. A new middle school signals that Fairfield is a place that values its future workforce and is a desirable location to do business.

Question 8

What is the approval percentage needed for the bond referendum to pass?

Accepted Answer

The bond referendum requires a supermajority to pass, meaning it must receive at least 60% +1 of the vote.

Question 9

Is it possible to use general obligation bonds to increase teacher salaries rather than build a new middle school?

Accepted Answer

A general obligation bond is not a viable option to increase public school teacher salaries in Iowa due to its restricted use. These bonds, which are a type of municipal bond, are primarily used to fund large capital projects like building construction, renovations, and infrastructure improvements.

Under Iowa law, the revenue generated from general obligation bonds is earmarked specifically for physical and tangible improvements—not operational expenses like salaries or benefits.

Question 10

If the referendum is approved, can project plans be changed?

Accepted Answer

No, the project connected to the funds will have to go toward a new middle school. There may be design modifications based on feedback from community groups, but the funds would all go toward the middle school project.

Question 11

Why doesn't FCSD save money every year like a regular person so they can build a new school after 40-60 years?

Accepted Answer

We receive $3,788,718 annually in revenue from infrastructure-related funding streams, such as PPEL and SAVE. From this pool:
 • $1,001,994 was allocated this year for essential capital improvements. This includes roof repairs and replacements, mechanical system improvements, and fire safety, among other expenses.
 • $1,575,990 was budgeted for recurring costs such as leases, transportation, maintenance contracts, debt payments, technology, and other non-optional operational expenses.

After our spending is complete, this leaves approximately $1.21 million to save per year. To fund a $49 million project using only those funds, it would take more than 40 years to accumulate enough money.

Such a plan does not take into account inflation, which could significantly increase costs over that time period. Last year, it cost roughly $375 per square foot for new construction. This year, it is closer to $423.

It is important to note that $10 million of the project's total cost would be funded with approved state sales tax revenue from SAVE, which reduces the burden on local taxpayers.

Question 12

I was not able to attend one of the community meetings. Is there a recording available?

Accepted Answer

Yes! You can view a recording from our meeting on October 20 by clicking here.(https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-14jU_1OdCz9GHRoHHaUpZ56-rC-lfPC/view?usp=drive_link)

Question 13

How would an approved bond issue affect property taxes?

Accepted Answer

If the bond referendum is approved by at least 60% of voters on November 4, 2025, the maximum tax impact would be $2.70 per $1,000 of taxable property value.​

For a home assessed at $200,000, this would amount to approximately $243.04 per year. The annual tax impact for a $300,000 commercial property would be approximately $556.60.
 
Based on the average assessed value per acre of agricultural land, the annual tax impact would be $1.94 per acre in Van Buren County, $2.48 per acre in Wapello, $2.66 per acre in Henry, $2.93 per acre in Jefferson, and $3.72 in Washington.

Question 14

How does Fairfield CSD’s property tax rate compare to other school districts?

Accepted Answer

Tax levy rates for the current fiscal year show that Fairfield CSD is in the bottom half of the Southeast Conference.
 • Washington: $16.24
 • Burlington: $15.97
 • Keokuk: $15.88
 • Fairfield: $12.73
 • Mount Pleasant: $11.98
 • Fort Madison: $11.92

Compared to school districts statewide of similar certified enrollment, Fairfield CSD has the third-lowest cumulative levy rate.
 • Gilbert: $17.99
 • Sioux Center: $16.84
 • Washington: $16.24
 • Winterset: $15.69
 • Vinton-Shellsburg: $15.10
 • Grinnell: $13.50
 • Decorah: $13.29
 • Fairfield: $12.73
 • MOC-Floyd Valley: $12.40
 • Carroll: $9.94

Question 15

Why should we move forward with these improvements 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 16

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 Fairfield Community School District in the Counties of Jefferson, Henry, Van Buren, Wapello and Washington, State of Iowa, be authorized to contract indebtedness and issue General Obligation Bonds in an amount not to exceed $39,500,000 to provide funds to build, furnish, and equip a new middle school building, including site improvements?

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Question 17

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. A valid ID will be needed to cast a ballot.

Question 18

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 and return it to the 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 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.

FAIRFIELD COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

BOND REFERENDUM

ELECTION DAY: NOVEMBER 4, 2025