New Cedar Falls High School Bond Vote Set For June

Residents in the Cedar Falls School District will go to the polls soon to decide the fate of a proposed new high school.

The Board of Education Monday night set June 25 as the date for a nearly $70 million bond issue. If approved, money generated from the referendum would finance construction of the proposed facility on about 50-acres of land west of the UNI-Dome. The new structure would replace the current building, which opened in 1954.

Supporters believe a new, bigger facility is the best way to deal with crowded classroom space in the growing district. They presented the board a petition with more than 700 signatures, asking for the referendum.

It's the second time the issue is being put on the ballot.

In September 2015, district voters turned down a massive $118 million referendum that would have generated enough money to build the new high school, a new elementary school and pay for improvements at two existing elementary buildings. Voters later approved a smaller bond referendum that addressed the district's elementary needs.

The bond issue won't be the only issue being decided on June 25. When they go to the polls, voters will also be asked to fill an empty school board seat. Eric Giddens resigned from the board last month following his election to the Iowa Senate.