Voters approve $117 million bond referendum for Waukee Community School District

3,310 voters turned out for Tuesday’s special election to issue general obligation bonds in the amount of $117 million. The bond referendum passed with a 90.27 percent voter approval. Sixty percent approval was needed.

Waukee Community School District (WCSD) will move forward with plans to construct a new 10-12, 1,800-student capacity high school, located 1/2 mile north of Hickman Road on R22 in Waukee. The grading of the site is scheduled to begin this spring with the building project scheduled for completion in time for students to start classes in the fall of 2021.In addition to a new high school, $1 million of the revenue will be dedicated toward improvements at the current high school. The scope of those improvements will be finalized this spring. The bond will not impact tax rates as the current rate already includes a maximum debt service of $4.05.

“We are very pleased with the results of the election,” commented Cindi McDonald, superintendent. “This is a win for the students and families in our district. The proposed plan will help us to manage our increasing enrollments, and continue to provide opportunities for students both in and out of the classroom. I want to thank the voters of the district for their commitment to providing an outstanding educational opportunity for students.”

The district initiated the planning process for the 395,000 sq. ft. building in August of 2016. The design and development process is nearing completion and will be presented to the Board of Education for approval in February.

Watch the district website, 2ndHS.waukeeschools.org, for project updates.