$38 Million School Referendum Passes: What Happens Next

DECORAH — Voters in the Decorah Community School District have approved a $38 million general obligation bond to fund a new school site, securing 66.7% of the vote. The funds will be used to support the construction of a new elementary school for pre-kindergarten through second grade. Superintendent Dr. Tim Cronin emphasized that the referendum's success was the result of a combination of elements rather than any single factor. The project saw robust involvement from community members in a variety of areas, including voter outreach on behalf of the "Vote Yes!" initiative, fundraising, and business partnerships. "The efforts of this diverse team helped us reach different segments of the community and gain broad support for the project," Cronin said. Next Steps and Project TimelineThe project will now advance to its design phase, divided into two stages. The first, a schematic design phase, is set to run from November 2024 to January 2025, focusing on site assessment and aligning designs with the approved budget. The subsequent design development stage, lasting from January to April 2025, will focus on architectural details, interiors and utilities. Timelines indicate that the entire design phase could take ten to 12 months, after which bidding will begin in October 2025. Construction is scheduled to start in spring 2026, with a projected completion in summer 2027. "Our goal is to have the building ready for use in the fall of 2027," Cronin said. Community ReactionCronin shared several personal anecdotes that showcased local enthusiasm for the project. In one instance, a staff member's mother personally reached out to over 50 residents to ensure they were well-informed about the bond measure, viewing the project as an enduring gift for future students. At a recent Rotary Club presentation, a retired staff member equated the increase in taxes to "just a couple of cups of coffee a month," urging attendees to support the bond for the benefit of Decorah's youth. "Hearing these stories and witnessing such a high level of community dedication was striking. The sense of purpose and commitment that so many people, like this grandmother, the retired staff member, and the service groups, brought to this effort was remarkably powerful. Their involvement stands as a testament to the unwavering support this community has for education," Cronin said. Don't miss out on important updates! Subscribe to the newsletter for free and stay informed about local topics that matter most to you.