As the votes were counted after last Tuesday’s special election, the preference of voters in the Clarion-Goldfield-Dows School District was made clear. Unofficial results for a proposition adopting a new Revenue Purpose Statement show the measure passing 314 votes to 31. The statement was adopted.
Comparatively speaking, voter turnout for last week’s special election was quite high. 345 total votes were cast, whereas only 31 people voted last time a Revenue Purpose Statement was on the ballot. 238 voters came to the polls in Clarion, 65 in Goldfield, 42 in Dows and 3 in Coulter.
Iowa law requires that each school district ask the voters to approve a “Revenue Purpose Statement” on the intended use of the statewide sales tax revenue. The statement is necessary to fund building projects, technology infrastructure or transportation equipment. The school district emphasized that the vote for a new statement will NOT result in a tax increase. Specifically, the district has noted their intension to move forward with the construction of a new gym at the elementary/middle school and new baseball/softball facilities east of the high school.
District officials were pleased with voter turnout and the results of the election. “We are so grateful for the overwhelming support for the school board and leadership team’s decision to move forward with these projects,” says CGD Superintendent Joe Nelson. “The vote is a testament to the passion our three communities have for students and staff.”
Nelson emphasized that these facilities are not only necessary from a sports standpoint, but also from an educational perspective. For instance, he explained that presently, there is inadequate space in the elementary or middle school for physical education as much of that space is used as the lunchroom currently. A new gym will allow for PE space. “It will be a learning space too, as will the baseball/softball complex,” Nelson said.
For next steps toward the building projects, Nelson said the district plans to move forward rapidly to get shovels in the ground. The school board approved proceeding with the projects at Monday night’s meeting. The next months will be a whirlwind of planning with engineers, designers, and contractors. If all goes well, Nelson emphasized that construction for both projects will hopefully start in early August.
