The IKM-Manning School District is placing a nearly $20 million General Obligation (G.O) bond on this upcoming ballot to finance several expansion and improvement projects across the Manning campus. The district is looking to issue a $19.8 million bond, which would create a levy rate of $2.70 in Fiscal Year (FY) 2027. Superintendent Dr. Angela Huseman says the funding would be used build, furnish and equip additions; remodel portions of existing building plus other site improvements all at the Manning campus.
Huseman says after much discussion with the school board, the bond and having all students at the Manning campus feels like the most fiscally responsible move to do with taxpayers’ dollars.
Before considering the bond and addition at the Manning campus, board members reviewed different scenarios for other options. A new K-12 building would start at around $80 million, with the district only able to secure a $28.12 million bond. Huseman also said updates to the Irwin building would cost around $3.324 million, which would not include the addition of adding classrooms.
Huseman says this is the third bond that the district has attempted to pass with a super majority vote at election time, which requires 60 percent plus one vote approving of the bond. She says there is an approximate 30 percent markup on how much is being constructed with the same amount of funding due to inflation, which will only get worse as time goes on.
The average price of a home in the IKM-Manning District is approximately $150,000. If the $2.70 G.O bond is passed, a property owner with a home assessed valuation set at that median will see an annual increase of $192.10, or roughly $16 a month addition to previous year’s tax rates. A calculator has been created online for individuals to see their own personal tax impact. Anyone with questions is encouraged to reach out to Huseman via email at ahuseman@ikm-manning.k12.ia.us or calling the district office at 712-655-3781.
