April 24, 2024

PCM voters say yes to $10 million GO bond

$20 million facilities project will move forward

By Mike Mendenhall

John and Kathy VanZee of Mitchellville, made their way to the polls to cast their ballots on the PCM bond referendum. Poll workers Mike Rains and Noralee Warrick were the only two of six scheduled workers that braved the storm to staff the polls Tuesday morning. (Dana King)

MONROE — A $10 million bond which will finance nearly half of the PCM Community School District's building renovation and expansion plans was approved Tuesday with 69 percent of voters in favor of the measure.

The $10 million will help finance approximately $20 million in renovations and additions to all PCM's school building facilities in Prairie City and Monroe. The district will pay for the remainder of the master plan with cash on hand and other existing revenue.

Despite poor road conditions and winter weather, the Jasper County Auditor's Office unofficial results shows 807 ballots were cast in the referendum. Auditor Dennis Parrott said voter turnout was 20.25 percent. This compares to 7.95 percent and 10.35 percent, respectively, in PCM's last two revenue-related special elections in 2014 and 2013. For more perspective, voter turnout in the September 2015 school board election was 10.01 percent of registered voters.

In a statement following Tuesday's vote, PCM superintendent Brad Jermeland thanked local organizations for hosting district officials in a recent series of meetings related to the bond

"We want to thank the community for supporting the successful passage of the PCM School District bond issue.This is an exciting time for our schools, our community and most importantly, our students," Jermeland said. "On behalf of the school board and administrative team, we want to thank you and express our deep appreciation for your approval of the bond issue. We look forward to rolling up our sleeves and digging in. There are great things ahead."

The superintendent also stated the district would keep the public updated on the construction and progress of the facilities renovation via the district website. Construction is slated to begin this summer. A facilities team consisting of residents and PCM staff have been drafting plans for the upgrades since last year, citing a need due to the district's increasing enrollment and growing populations in both Prairie City and Monroe.

To break down the vote further, a total of 555 yes votes were cast Tuesday — 226 in Prairie City, 312 in Monroe and 17 absentee. Another 252 ballots were cast against the measure — 103 in Prairie City, 141 in Monroe and eight absentee. The auditor's office will conduct a canvass Feb. 9 to certify the results.

Supporters of the bond celebrated the victory Tuesday night. Meagan Breckenridge and her husband both grew up in the PCM school district and attended Monroe Elementary, PCM Middle School and PCM High School. They own both residential and rental properties in Monroe, and Breckenridge said they will see a noticeable tax increase from the bond. But the mother of three said the financial burden is outweighed by maintaining quality school buildings for her kids.

"We are looking forward to know that safety issues have been taken care of, our kids will have space to learn, and the future of PCM will be able to grow," she said. "These plans weren't drawn up over night, there were many meetings, discussions, walk-throughs and planning. I truly believe the best interest of our children and the staff at each school were put first in trying to decide what needs to be done."

Contact Mike Mendenhall at mmendenhall@myprairiecitynews.com