March 19, 2024

Editorial: Voters should Preserve the Pride

Rebuilding Berg is a wise use of tax money

The Newton Community School District has always sought to provide top-notch school facilities and education for its children. A choice on the Sept. 13 ballot gives Newton-area voters a chance to invest in the future of local education and continue to provide that kind of excellence.

Voting yes on the general-obligation bond to rebuild Berg Middle School will help the school district provide an important piece of a changing and evolving educational community. Voters should take advantage of this rare opportunity to help create a fantastic, vibrant center of learning that will continue to show what Newton has always been: a place where the development of young minds is crucial to success.

There is a considerable tax burden on Newton property, Jasper County and the state and nation as a whole. The bond will not only add a tiny amount to that total — it will also allow taxpayers to make a strong, resounding statement about the importance of education in Newton.

The annual tax increase figure of $8 on property with an assessed taxable valuation of $100,000 is accurate. People who own residential or commercial property worth more will have a slightly larger increase, but this tax is a tiny fraction of a Jasper County property owner’s taxes.

In fact, the amount of increased tax for the bond is not even one-fifth of all the tax total charged by the Newton Community School District. School districts tax for many other purposes besides bonding for a new building but, per Iowa Code, new construction is something we get to vote on.

A committee of about 25 people met to consider what can go into the building, which will use the $26.9 million voter-approved bond. Once the district purchases bonds and sends it out for bid, it cannot ask taxpayers for more money for the project — it must pay off the bonds in 20 years.

Renovating or remodeling Berg to solve the problems created by its design and expansions is not practical. Beyond the minimum estimate of $17.6 million to complete these projects, all of the students would be in portable buildings while roofing is replaced, doorways are expanded and a complicated utility systems are replaced. It’s much simpler and cost-effective to simply replace it with a new building.

Further, a modern school will help retain quality educators and practices, which is a positive move for the entire community.

We urge voters to take advantage of the open house tours the bond committee has arranged for residents to view the state of the school for themselves. On Tuesday and Thursday of this week at 5:30 p.m., taxpayers can gather in the Berg cafeteria to learn more about the need to rebuild the school. Another forum and tour is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on Sept. 11.

Vote yes on the Sept. 13 school bond. It’s the best use of our resources and what’s best for the future of the Newton Community School District.