On Tuesday, August 29 at 5:30 p.m. in the East Dining Hall, we will be hosting an informational meeting about our upcoming building project with our architects from Invision. You will be able to learn more about the project, the RPS election, the G.O. Bond election, the timing and cost of the project, as well as the impact it would have on our tax rate.

This will be the first of three meetings that we will have here at the school. The next two will be on Tuesday, October 3, and Wednesday, November 1. Times will be determined as we get closer to the dates.

For the G.O. Bond election to take place a petition with at least 200 signatures needs to be presented to the school board by Wednesday, September 20. If you reside in the district and are interested in signing the petition, you can do so at the school, or contact Joe Herman or Adam Carper.

We will also send information out via mail and you can find out more information at https://www.vanmeterbond.org/. If you have any questions about the project and are unable to attend any of the meetings, feel free to contact me at deron.durflinger@vmbulldogs.com

The image below is just a conceptual drawing of how the school could be designed to be connected at both ends and increase parking. This is not the final plan, but is very similar to what the proposed plans will look like.

Our facilities advisory committee has met several times over the last few months to work on plans for upgrading our facilities. Through those discussions and with some changes that took place this legislative session, it has been decided that a bond referendum for this fall makes the most sense for our district. We will have several public sessions for community members to learn more about the project, but we have identified the following priorities:

• classrooms (enough for 5 sections of each elementary grade level, elementary art, music, etc.)
• secure entrances/office space
• performing arts/gym space
• parking lots
• concession/restrooms/seating at the track/football stadium
• fitness/PE space
• maintenance facility to house equipment
• land purchase for future growth

The district's plan is to keep the construction costs in the $18-$22 million range, but if approved by voters, the district could have the authority to get up to $31 million. With project costs beyond construction costs being in the 20-25% range, the district believes the project can be completed for $25-$27 million. Part of the project would be funded with a G.O Bond (up to $18 million) and part of the project would be funded by borrowing against 1% Sales Tax funding (up to $13 million). $31 million is the current maximum we could borrow between the combined funds. Because the school board has been thoughtfully paying ahead on our current debt, we are in a good position financially to take on another project that will keep our facility operating in a K-12 format. This project would serve the district for up to 120-125 students per grade level and the district would look for property to purchase for future building projects.

The bond referendum vote would take place on Tuesday, November 7. However, there are still several steps that need to occur before that language would be on the ballot. Be looking for more information later this fall, but we plan on having our first community learning session at Fan Fest on Friday, August 18. It is an exciting time to be a Van Meter Bulldog!

On September 14, the board has decided to hold a special election to alter the current revenue purpose statement for the use of 1% sales tax (SAVE.) This is not an increase in any tax authorized by the district, but it gives the district the authority to use the revenue generated from the statewide penny sales tax in the same manner we use our physical plant and equipment levy (PPEL.) It also extends the timeframe from 2029 to 2050 so that the statewide penny can be used to improve our facilities. If this measure passes, the district will have a better opportunity for a longer period of time to support student learning and activities through the use of the 1% sales tax.

The Good Samaritan Food Pantry sponsors a program called Backpack Meals which provides meals to students on the weekends. Confidentially and discreetly, school personnel will place meals and snacks for the weekend into the student's backpack at the end of each week.

If you would like to sign up your child for weekend Backpack Meals, please contact our school social worker, Jayci Kuhns, at any point this school year at: <jayci.kuhns@vmbulldogs.com> and/or 515-441-0023

No proof of income is required.

If your family is experiencing difficulty at home, we would like to provide additional support at school as needed. We understand that you are not always able or desire to share details and that's okay. If your child is coming to school after a difficult night, morning, or weekend and you would like them to have extra support, please email your counselor "Handle With Care" and enter your children's names. Nothing else will be said or asked. This will let us know that your child may need extra time, patience, or help during the day.

Please let your counselor know if you would like to request a check-in with your child.

Sara Cook: sara.cook@vmbulldogs.com - Elementary School Counselor

Jennifer Wagner: jennifer.wagner@vmbulldogs.com- Secondary School Counselor

Jayci Kuhns: jayci.kuhns@vmbulldogs.com - K-12 School Social Worker

For anyone who would like to learn more about advertising on the video board at the stadium, please email either Rick or me at

rick.roberts@vmbulldogs.com

deron.durflinger@vmbulldogs.com

All of the commercial spots are filled, but there is room for the two levels identified below. We'd love to have your support for our programs.

Options for supporting our programs are in the image below.

Van Meter will have two open seats on the ballot in November. 30 signatures are needed to get your name on the ballot. Important dates to consider:

Aug. 28: Candidate filing begins.
Sept. 21: Candidate filing deadline by 5 p.m.
Sept. 26: Candidate withdrawal deadline by 5 p.m. (last day for candidates to withdraw by filing a written request with the school secretary).
Nov. 7: School election day. Polls are open from 7 a.m.–8 p.m.

If you are interested, more information can be found at https://www.ia-sb.org/school-board-elections

We have four organizations that do a great job of supporting Van Meter Schools. They are always looking for members. Be sure to reach out to them if you are interested in helping out.

Van Meter Education Foundation- Contact Luke Haverstick at lhaverstick@hotmail.com

Van Meter Elementary Parent Committee Contact Katie Gionet at vmepc01@gmail.com

Van Meter Performing Arts Boosters Contact Scott Prickett at prickettsd@gmail.com

Van Meter Athletic Boosters Contact Jason Pleggenkuhle at vmathleticboosters@gmail.com

Email: firstname.lastname@vmbulldogs.com
Website: www.vmbulldogs.com
Location: 520 1st Avenue, Van Meter, IA, USA
Phone: (515) 996-2221
Facebook: https://facebook.com/VanMeterSchools/
Twitter: @vanmeterschools