Dallas Center-Grimes School District seeks $88 million through bond referendum
The Dallas Center-Grimes Community School District is requesting $88 million to fund significant improvements across its schools, with a focus on enhancing the high school facilities.
The Dallas Center-Grimes Community School District is requesting $88 million to fund significant improvements across its schools, with a focus on enhancing the high school facilities.
The Dallas Center-Grimes Community School District is requesting $88 million to fund significant improvements across its schools, with a focus on enhancing the high school facilities.
The Dallas Center-Grimes Community School District is asking voters to approve an $88 million bond referendum to fund the largest portion of its 10-year master plan aimed at upgrading all seven of its schools.
Superintendent Scott Blum said that $65 million of the requested funds will be allocated to the high school. The money will create a single cohesive building by merging the two existing structures. Renovations will touch classrooms, labs, kitchens, cafeterias, parking lots, the district auditorium, and more. Funds will also be used to build new team rooms, locker rooms, and concession stands.
"The growth we've seen over the many years at DCG is now really hitting our secondary level," Blum said. "For a handful of years, we were under 1,000 students 9-12. And today we're about 1,150 with more to come."
The remaining funds will be directed towards elementary and middle schools.
Blum said, "We're going to put secure vestibules in all of our elementary buildings and middle school building to make sure we just take the next step with safety. And then, you know, a few million dollars will be spent on inclusive playgrounds, because that's going to touch five buildings."
Blum noted that when the need for a bond was identified, the district brought together a community group that included parents and city officials from both Dallas Center and Grimes.
The project will be financed through a combination of property tax from the bond referendum and SAVE sales tax revenue.
Blum assured that DCG's debt service levy is already at $4.05, the maximum, and will remain unchanged through the completion of the 2025 bond project.
"We are asking for what we think is best for students and staff. But property taxes are high. I'm the first one to say they're high," Blum said. "But people are not going to see an additional penny on their property tax as a result of this bond."
The bond requires a supermajority of 60% plus one vote to pass.
"There's not kind of this wish list we hope we're getting. This is about giving the space and programs our high school kids need," Blum said.
If the bond referendum is approved, the district aims to complete the high school additions by fall 2028, with all elementary and middle school enhancements expected to be finished by 2027.
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