North Tama Community School District’s 1917 core building pictured on Sunday, March 26. Replacing the aging structure — which currently houses mostly high school classrooms — was part of the district’s bond referendum that failed to pass on March 7 by just six votes. PHOTO BY SOREN M. PETERSON

The North Tama County Community School District would like to thank the community for their strong showing of support in the recent bond election held on March 7. While a majority of voters expressed support for the proposed bond issue to meet the district’s facility needs, the number of yes votes fell just short of the 60% supermajority required for passage.

The number one comment we’ve heard from district patrons since the bond election is this: “It was SO close…when can we vote again?”

Iowa law specifies certain dates each year that a school district can call a special election. The earliest possible date for another vote would be the second Tuesday in September, 2023. The North Tama School Board hasn’t yet decided on a course of action, but the board is now asking for input from the public to help determine whether they will call for another election or pursue another course of action.

The school board wants to hear from you! The board plans to have conversations about the district’s facility needs and the failed bond election in the very near future. The board invites members of the public to join in the conversation at two upcoming meetings:

CLUTIER-AREA MEETING

A meeting will be held for Clutier-area residents on Tuesday, April 4 at 6:30 p.m. at the Clutier Fire Station. (A light meal will be served starting at 6:30 p.m. and will be available while supplies last.)

MEETING FOR ALL DISTRICT RESIDENTS

Members of the public are encouraged to join the conversation and provide their input during the April school board meeting, which is being held on Wednesday, April 12 at 7:00 p.m. in the North Tama Junior High Commons.

The board appreciates the input and feedback of everyone involved in the recent election and encourages your participation in these upcoming conversations. Because the district’s critical facility needs are not going away, the board really hopes to hear from you. Please join us!