SIGOURNEY — On Wednesday, July 16, 2025, the Sigourney Community School District Board of Education approved petition language that could place an infrastructure improvement referendum for the Jr. Sr. High School before eligible voters. Pending attorney review, the Board would set a bonding limit of $9,900,000. The project’s total cost would be $10,334,500. The difference would be made up by cash over the next few years so we are not bonding against PPEL funds. The facility improvement plan was built from the voices of our community and focuses on practical areas that must be addressed for the future of the Jr. Sr. High. The Board recognizes that District SAVE and PPEL funds would not cover the cost of the comprehensive work.
The infrastructure improvement plan reflects the input of many residents, parents, staff, students, and business leaders. The Community Facility Advisory Committee (CFAC II) provided the Board with a highly vetted list of improvement recommendations and considerations. Residents, parents, staff, and students provided additional input through face-toface conversations and surveys. The Board considers this infrastructure implementation plan to be “Phase II” of the facilities improvement process with the infrastructure improvements completed at elementary school is “Phase I.”
Iowa law requires that a petition signed by eligible voters be presented to the Board prior to formal action. Petition signatures are not an indication of a “yes” or “no,” but an agreement to have the Board continue to explore a potential bond referendum to address the needs of the Jr. Sr. High. If the required number of signatures is met and a subsequent bond is approved by the voters, the bond would fund significant infrastructure improvements to the 1967 and 1991 sections of the building. The Board considered all feedback, projected cost factors, and future needs as part of the study and refinement process. The Board’s goal is to position the building for success over the next forty years. The process provides another opportunity for residents to lead and shape the future of the District.
The plan targets multiple areas for remodel, repair, and improvement; including, a new HVAC system, vertical classroom ventilators, ADA upgrades, a secure entry way, major overhauls to plumbing, comprehensive restroom remodels, cooling for the big gym, ventilation support to the small gym, an expansion of the student services area (Jr. Sr. High Office), and changes to the lobby and concession areas. Finally, the project will include a new fire alarm and communication system.
“This is a community-based plan,” said School Board President Steven Seeley. “We removed nearly a million dollars of ‘nice to have upgrades’ to get to the areas that must be addressed. These are the core items stakeholders asked us to focus on. At this time, the District simply cannot afford new additions, so we focused on the practical input and the wisdom of stakeholders. We will continue to invite the community to partner with us as we move forward.”
“The Board has been listening and taking a hard look at the significant issues facing our aging Jr. Sr. High School,” said School Board Vice-President Allan Glandon. “It is vitally important that we address school safety needs, update our old systems which are beginning to fail, and improve the overall learning environments of our classrooms for students and staff.”
The Board encourages all residents to stay informed, ask questions, and get involved. More information about the bond will be forthcoming. Initial design concepts and initial visual representations will be shared this fall. The District is deeply appreciative of the incredible input. Details regarding the project will be provided over the next several months.
