Lewis Central Community School District voters approved a $30 million bond referendum on November 5, 2024. The Council Bluffs, Iowa, school district received the support of 2/3 of voters, or nearly 61%.
Lewis Central Community School District voters in Council Bluffs, Iowa, approved a $30 million bond referendum with nearly 61% support.
This marks a significant milestone after a previous 2023 bond proposal fell short with 51% approval. The district’s adjusted approach broke a larger $90 million plan into phased projects focusing on infrastructure improvements.
Superintendent Brenton Hoesing and district leaders actively engaged the community, addressing concerns about the scale and tax implications of the previous bond.
“Feedback in our community survey and community conversations gave us insights on an alternative path forward,” Dr. Hoesing said.
A revised bond plan reduced the tax impact. The estimated cost impact was reduced to no more than $134 annually for a $300,000 home, less than the $500 impact proposed in 2023.
“Feedback in our community survey and community conversations gave us insights on an alternative path forward,” said Superintendent Brenton Hoesing.
The $30M bond will fund infrastructure improvements, including roof, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and drainage upgrades, particularly in the middle school. Other planned middle school improvements include general classroom renovations, updates to the multipurpose building, ADA accessibility, updated restrooms and locker rooms, along with technology, structural, and mechanical improvements. Security upgrades are also planned at each of the district’s buildings. .
Presidential Election
Most Lewis Central voters supported the first bond proposal—51% approved the $90M bond referendum in November 2023. Since 1931, the State of Iowa has required at least 60 percent—as opposed to a simple majority—to pass a public bond issue that raises property taxes.
Recent Iowa legislation (effective July 1, 2023) requires all special bond elections for a school district to be held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. This means school bond referendums are part of regular November election cycles, typically with higher voter turnout (especially in Presidential elections).
The district’s $30M bond will fund vital infrastructure and security upgrades—particularly in the middle school—including HVAC, plumbing, and classroom renovations.
The supermajority and November vote requirements led Lewis Central to a bond referendum in a general Presidential election. Questions remained:
- Would voter sentiment change with a higher turnout?
- How does a school district better communicate with non-parents and non-staff?
- Where will the school district earn 10% more share of the vote?
Earning 10% More Support
“Voter demographics are insightful,” said Lewis Central Community School District Communications Director, Emma Schwaller. “Young people, ages 18 to 34, had a 10% greater vote share in 2024, while 65+ voters had a 10% less vote share.”
“The energy surrounding the Presidential election and satellite voting likely helped increase turnout,” said Emma Schwaller, Communications Director for Lewis Central Community School District
When the 2023 and 2024 votes were compared, 18-to 24-year-olds increased by 1,152% (+645), and 25-to 34-year-olds increased by 512% (+691). “The energy surrounding the Presidential election and satellite voting likely helped increase turnout,” Schwaller said.
Young people, ages 18 to 34, had a 10% greater vote share in 2024, while 65+ voters had a 10% less vote share.
Early voting, either absentee or satellite voting, accounted for 41% of the total votes cast. Lewis Central hosted a satellite voting on October 24, 2024, at Titan Hill with an estimated 300 voters during a six-hour period.
“This underscores the importance of outreach to non-parents and non-staff in the community,” said Dr. Hoesing. “It’s vital school districts build awareness and understanding about the current state and priorities for investment.”
Know Your Core Voters
Lewis Central had 3,255 voters participate in both elections. These “core” Lewis Central voters account for 35% of the 2024 election’s voters.
School districts all have voters who consistently weigh in on ballot initiatives. Increasing communication with these folks, many of whom may not have kids in the district, is a good strategy. For example, increasing the distribution of e-newsletters to non-parents and non-staff will create more awareness of school district activities.
Regular feedback, including community surveys, helps school districts stay connected to their communities. Public schools are accountable to the community, and robust dialog and communications build goodwill and increase the likelihood of earning two-thirds support on the next November election day.
