Some voters have more to decide than their local school board races today (Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017).

When Gladbrook-Reinbeck residents go to the polls, they'll be asked whether the school district should be preserved or dissolved. A simple majority “No” vote would keep the district in tact. But, if residents say “Yes”, the district would cease to exist and Gladbrook-Reinbeck students would be sent to five neighboring districts.

The ballot question has been a divisive one in the two communities. Many Gladbrook residents favor the dissolution referendum, while Reinbeck residents generally do not.

In Dunkerton, a $6 million bond issue would finance school building improvements. If approved, money generated from the referendum would be used to raze the original part of Dunkerton School -- built in 1921 -- and to construct a new two-story, 24,000-square-foot structure in its place. The existing elementary school wing would also be remodeled.

Voters in the Edgewood-Colesburg School District are being asked to approved a $7 million referendum. The money is earmarked for air-conditioning updates, window replacements and other maintenance items.

A physical plant and equipment levy (PPEL) is on the ballot for the first time in the La Porte City-based Union School District. If approved, property owners would pay an additional $1.34 per $1,000 of taxable valuable. PPEL money can only be used to pay for school infrastructure and equipment repairs, as well as purchases.

A super-majority is required for the Union, Edgewood-Colesburg and Dunkerton issues to pass. A simple majority of the voters will determine the fate of the Gladbrook-Reinbeck School District.

Polls in most northeast Iowa school districts are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

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