The citizens of the Union Community School District are able to vote on an upcoming bond issue on November 5th for facility improvements throughout the district. As a former principal in La Porte City Elem. (1978-1987) followed by 14 years with the Iowa Dept. of Education that had me in over 700 school buildings mostly in Iowa, I just wanted to offer some thoughts. I have lived in La Porte City for 45 years, which allowed my children and grandchildren to attend school in this district.

The pride in all four buildings has always been great. The facilities and great staff/administration have provided many students with a great education to prepare them for the future. Improvement of educational and activity areas have been observed, even with a pretty low tax rate. More improvements will be made in all four buildings, if this bond issue is passed.

However, there are also some areas that are not visible to everyone. The HVAC in many areas of the UHS are many years beyond normal use (some back to 1954) and could cause some serious issues if they fail. Is it possible to even get parts for something that old? The areas for family and consumer science, some science rooms, and industrial technology are very outdated. The old gym is just that and has served its purpose well, although the ADA format is not very welcoming. The present library needs have changed considerably, due to technology. That area would make a really nice commons area for student meals and would enhance the area during activity events.

This brings us to what is in the front of my mind. Safety and security is so important these days. School lockdowns have existed in several Iowa schools and across the nation in recent days. We must do everything we can to keep students, parents, community, and guests safe in all four buildings. I have been in other school buildings where the facilities were deplorable, and they have now been replaced. I believe every district that touches ours has made major facility improvements including new facilities in recent years, most if not all funded with bond issues.

Then comes the challenge of passing the bond issue of $20.5 million. It takes 60% voter approval. I don’t like higher taxes more than anyone else, but I know improvements are needed. When new families consider moving to our towns, I have always encouraged them to look at facilities, student achievement, and graduate successes. The first thing they want to see when coming to town is the facilities. We have been fortunate that our tax rate has been very low in state comparisons, and that rate will be still favorable if the bond issue passes. There is a lot more information about the improvements on the Union bond website “https://www.uknighted4u.org”>https://www.uknighted4u.org. Take a look at the needs and then vote on November 5. I know I will be a “yes” vote, and I hope you can do the same. That is up to you.

Marvin Hrubes

La Porte City