On November 4, 2025, the Union Community School District voters will decide on a bond referendum that would allow us to make much-needed updates to all our schools in our district. As your elected school board, we want to share why this decision matters and what it would mean for our students, staff, and community members.

Many of our school buildings are decades old. While they’ve served us well, age is beginning to show. Heating and cooling systems struggle to keep classrooms comfortable, roofs and restrooms need repair, and safety features no longer meet today’s standards. These issues, and several others that we are trying to address with this bond, create daily challenges for both students and staff and, if left unaddressed, will only grow more costly over time.

This recommended proposal is the result of a lengthy process that includes a professional assessment of our facilities and listening to you — the parents, our dedicated staff, and community members who care deeply about the heartbeat of our community: our schools. Through community meetings, a survey, and many conversations, we heard what mattered most. We adjusted the plan and the cost, sharpening our focus on the needs. What’s before voters today is a responsible plan that balances affordability with the urgent updates our facilities require.

What would the bond support? The referendum would allow us to:

-Replace failing heating, cooling, and electrical systems so classrooms remain safe and functional

-Update restrooms, roofs, and other spaces that have been patched many times but are now at the end of their lives

-Improve safety features such as communication systems, fire alarms and secure door systems

-Reconfigure spaces to support current educational and programming needs

-Provide long-term operational value and stewardship

-Build a proper facility to house and maintain our buses – something our district has needed for many years

“As a community, we’ve always taken pride in supporting our kids,” said Ben Schemmel, Union Community School Board President. “This bond isn’t about adding extras — it’s about making sure our facilities are safe and up to date. Our students deserve spaces where they can learn, play, and grow without the distractions of failing systems and/or outdated facilities.”

We encourage everyone to take time to look at the full details, and ask questions. For those who missed our recent community information meetings held in both Dysart and La Porte City, details are also available on our Union bond referendum website: uknighted4u.org (through the district’s website union.k12.ia.us).

This decision is ultimately about what kind of future we want for our children and our community. Our students deserve learning environments that match the high standards that UKnight us, and we set for them. We ask that you review the facts, participate in the conversations, and head out to the polls on November 4. Absentee voting begins October 15.

Sincerely,

Your Union Community School Board:

Ben Schemmel, President

Reid Carlson, Board Member

Maureen Hanson, Board Member

Carleen McGivern, Board Member

Lindsay Pipho, Board Member

Brandon Paine, Board Member

Cady Schmidt, Board Member