$16.1M General Obligation Bond
November 3, 2026
Honoring our Past,
Investing in our Future
Tipton Bond Referendum 2026 - FAQs
Why is the District proposing this Bond Referendum? The proposed bond would allow the Tipton Community School District to address long-standing facility needs at the high school, including student safety, accessibility, learning environments, student support spaces, and campus functionality. The project modernizes areas that serve students every day while improving the overall experience for students, staff, families, and community members. The plan also takes advantage of the district's current financial position by using retiring debt capacity to fund improvements while keeping the debt service levy essentially at its current level.
Why are we proposing this bond referendum now? The district's current bond is scheduled to be paid off in 2028, creating a unique opportunity to reinvest in school facilities while maintaining a level debt service levy. Waiting would likely increase construction costs and reduce the amount of work that can be completed for the same investment. The district has spent more than a year assessing facility conditions, evaluating options, and developing a plan that reflects community feedback and current needs.
What projects are included in the bond? The proposed project focuses on improving the high school campus by creating: • A secure and welcoming main entrance • A new student commons and cafeteria • Modern student collaboration and gathering spaces • A relocated high school office and accessible nurse's office • New alternative learning and transition program spaces • A competition gymnasium connected to the high school • Additional parking and improved traffic flow Together, these improvements create a safer, more functional, and more modern learning environment that serves all students.
Why is a competition gymnasium included? The proposed competition gymnasium is part of a broader plan to improve the overall high school campus. Today, athletic events and practices are separated from many of the spaces students use every day, creating operational challenges and limiting opportunities for students and the community. The new gym would allow practices, competitions, and school events to occur on the main high school campus while also supporting larger community events and activities.
How does this improve student safety? Safety improvements are a key component of the project. The proposed plan includes a secure main entrance where visitors check in before entering the building, improved parking and traffic circulation around campus, and relocation of the nurse's office to an accessible first-floor location. These improvements reflect current school safety standards while improving accessibility for students, staff, and visitors.
How does this improve learning? Education has changed significantly over the past several decades, and today's students often learn through collaboration, small-group instruction, technology, and flexible learning environments. The project creates updated commons areas, student collaboration spaces, improved student services, and modern learning environments designed to better support today's educational programs.
How much will the project cost? The proposed General Obligation Bond referendum is approximately $16.1 million.
Will this increase my property taxes? The proposed financing plan is designed to maintain the district's current debt service levy by utilizing retiring bond capacity. The current debt service levy is approximately $2.70 per $1,000 of taxable valuation. If approved, the district intends to maintain that levy to repay the new bond rather than allowing it to expire when the current bond is paid off. If the bond is not approved, the debt service portion of the levy would be expected to decrease once the existing bond is retired.
Why does the bond require 60% approval? General Obligation Bonds in Iowa are required by state law to achieve 60% voter approval. This threshold exists because GO bonds are repaid through property taxes, and the higher bar ensures broad community support before that obligation is made. The district has structured this plan to be tax neutral — meaning passing the bond extends the current levy rate at no increase.
How is this proposal different from previous bond referendums? The current proposal reflects feedback received following previous bond elections. The project has been refined to better align with community priorities, focuses on improvements that benefit all students, and utilizes a different financing approach that maintains the existing debt service levy rather than requiring the larger increase proposed in previous plans.
How was this plan developed? The district completed a comprehensive facility assessment in 2025 and worked with architects, construction professionals, district leadership, staff, and a community task force to evaluate facility needs and develop potential solutions. Throughout the planning process, community members reviewed project options, discussed priorities, and provided feedback that helped shape the final recommendation presented to the Board of Education.
What happens if the bond does not pass? The facility needs identified through the district's planning process would remain. The district would continue maintaining existing facilities with available resources, but many of the proposed improvements—including updated student spaces, the secure entrance, accessibility improvements, and other major renovations—would likely be delayed until future funding becomes available.
When would construction begin? If voters approve the bond in November 2026, design work would continue following the election, with construction anticipated to begin in 2027. The district plans to phase construction to minimize disruption to students and school operations whenever possible.
Has the community been involved in developing this plan? Yes. Community involvement has been an important part of the planning process. The district conducted facility assessments, worked with a community task force, gathered public input, evaluated project alternatives, and refined the proposed improvements based on feedback received. Community members emphasized the importance of fiscal responsibility, student safety, opportunities for all students, and clearly communicating how this proposal differs from previous bond efforts.
Why is the nurse office being relocated? The current nurse's office is located on the second floor and does not have direct access to an accessible restroom, creating challenges for students who require medical care or additional assistance. The proposed project relocates the nurse's office to the first floor near the main office and building entrance. This provides easier access for students, parents, emergency responders, and visitors while improving privacy, accessibility, and coordination of student health services. The new location is designed to better meet the needs of today's students and reflects current expectations for accessibility and student support.
Why wasn’t this project done previously? Many of the facility needs addressed in this proposal have existed for several years. The district has continued to maintain and repair its facilities while evaluating long-term solutions and responsibly managing taxpayer resources. Previous bond proposals did not receive the 60% voter approval required under Iowa law to move forward. Since then, the district has continued listening to community feedback, reassessed facility priorities, and developed a revised plan that is more focused, better aligned with identified needs, and takes advantage of retiring debt capacity to maintain the current debt service levy rather than requiring the larger increase proposed in previous bond efforts. The proposed plan reflects years of facility assessment, community input, and financial planning. It represents the district's best opportunity to address long- standing needs in a fiscally responsible manner.
