Decorah Community School District Announces March 3, 2026 Vote to Renew Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL)

Our newsroom runs on more than coffee and craft beer — it runs on you. Support Decorah News' local reporting today. The Decorah Community School District is encouraging community members to learn more about the district's Physical Plant and Equipment Levy and the importance of renewing the voter-approved portion during the election Tuesday, March 3, 2026. Across Iowa, more than 85% of school districts rely on voter-approved PPEL funding to support facility and equipment needs. Decorah is among those districts, using PPEL as a critical component of its annual budget to maintain safe, functional and modern learning environments for students. What is PPEL?Decorah's PPEL fund receives revenue from two sources: a voter-approved levy totaling $1.34 per $1,000 of taxable property value that must be renewed every 10 years, and a board-approved levy totaling $0.33 per $1,000. PPEL funding is restricted by law and may only be used for infrastructure and equipment repairs, purchases and improvements. Most Iowa school districts have maintained a voted PPEL for more than 25 years as a stable funding source for long-term facility needs. Decorah receives more than $1.1 million annually from its voted PPEL, supporting ongoing capital improvements while preserving the district's general fund for instructional purposes. How Decorah uses PPEL fundsThe Physical Plant and Equipment Levy and Secure an Advanced Vision for Education funds are used to improve and maintain the district's physical plant and to purchase and upgrade equipment necessary to support student learning and district operations. In recent years, PPEL funds have supported major capital needs, including roof repairs and replacements across multiple district buildings, the purchase of school buses and district vans, and transportation infrastructure upgrades. Facility and infrastructure improvements funded through PPEL include the full roof replacement at Decorah Middle School; roof replacement for the CLE gymnasium; roof projects at Decorah High School, including the cafeteria and additional roof sections; roof patchwork at John Cline Elementary; installation of an LP filling station and diesel tank upgrades; and improvements to the transportation building, including new garage doors and gutters. Transportation upgrades funded through PPEL include the replacement and upgrades of 12-passenger vans and the purchase of new LP-powered school buses. In addition to PPEL-funded projects, SAVE funds have supported furniture replacement, sidewalk repairs, parking lot maintenance, athletic facility updates and equipment purchases. SAVE funds also help cover operational needs such as pool rental fees, copier leases, MetroNet services, band and orchestra instruments, bowling center rental fees, and staff and student leased computers. Planning for the future: Sustainability and energy savingsLooking ahead, renewal of the voted PPEL would allow the district to continue addressing essential maintenance needs while also exploring long-term sustainability projects. Potential future initiatives may include energy-efficiency upgrades and solar energy projects designed to reduce the district's utility costs over time. Investments in sustainable infrastructure could lower ongoing energy expenses, stabilize operational costs and redirect savings back into classrooms and student programs. District officials say these projects align with responsible stewardship of community resources and environmental sustainability goals. Why renewal is neededThe district's current voted PPEL will expire in June 2029. The March 2026 election is intended to ensure continuity of funding for capital improvement needs. If renewed, Decorah will continue to use PPEL funds for building and grounds maintenance, technology upgrades, security improvements, athletic facility improvements, transportation needs, energy-efficiency and sustainability projects, and other allowable infrastructure and equipment expenses. If the voted PPEL is not renewed, the district would need to shift these costs to the general fund or SAVE revenue, potentially delaying future SAVE-funded projects and requiring difficult budget decisions. Budget reductions may also need to be considered. No property tax increaseRenewing the voted PPEL will not increase property taxes. The measure continues the existing levy at the current rate of $1.34 per $1,000 of taxable property value. Approval requires a simple majority vote. Commitment to responsible stewardshipThe Decorah school board and district administration say they remain committed to responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources. "We respect the needs of our taxpayers and strive to protect the community's investment in our schools," Superintendent Tim Cronin said. "Renewing the voted PPEL will allow us to continue making responsible investments that protect district facilities, explore cost-saving sustainability initiatives and ensure our students have access to safe, high-quality learning environments." Be in the know, always! The free newsletter delivers local news, features, and tips directly to you—perfect for busy readers.