North Nodaway Bond Issue Would Expand Elementary

A $2.65 million bond issue on the April ballot for the North Nodaway School District would expand the elementary school in Pickering and make other improvements to the school without increasing taxes. The current debt service levy is 59 cents per $100 assessed valuation, dedicated to the repayment of bonds. The current level is adequate to repay the existing bonds plus the proposed issue by extending the levy 18 years or less.

Projects are listen in order of priority and will be completed based on availability of funds:

–New addition to elementary school. A new addition would be built on the west end of the current school, which would create a new preschool classroom, a new safety entrance with office spaces, and a new library/multipurpose space. 

Currently, the preschool classroom uses a trailer. The existing library would be converted into a lunch room, freeing up space for more classes, activities, and recess. The kitchen would be expanded so that more meals can be prepared in Pickering and not transported. Existing office spaces would be utilized for Title reading services and the administration. Buildings would be connected, and there would be one secure entrance.

–New bus barn at Hopkins. A bus barn would be built north of the high school in the lot that the school has upgraded. It would keep buses, students, and staff from the elements and allow for more general maintenance and cleaning.

–Security entrance at high school. A new addition would be built on the south side where the current entrance is located. There would be a new safety entrance for visitors and it would free up office space for the principal, secretaries, counselor, and superintendent. More classroom spaces or storage areas would be opened up. The school would look into installation of an elevator for students, patrons with disabilities, and for cleaning staff use.

The current tax levy is $4.6505 per $100 assessed valuation. Approval would not raise taxes. The levy was higher between 2003 and 2017. North Nodaway is 10th out of 17 when it comes to area schools’ levy rates.