Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Miller Middle School?
B.R. Miller Middle School first welcomed students in 1925 as Marshalltown High School. Because of its proud and historic legacy, MCSD sought solutions that respect the school’s past while positioning it to serve future generations of students.
What is the proposed solution to address MCSD's facility needs?
The list of challenges at the nearly century-old school is extensive. This includes outdated mechanical systems; classrooms 20% smaller than current academic standards; outdated classroom fixtures, furniture and finishes; narrow entryways, corridors and stairwells that do not meet current safety and security measures; student support spaces that are undersized for the current population; and moisture and water problems, among others.
The proposed rejuvenation of Miller Middle School includes construction of a new education wing, commons area, kitchen, and entrance. The school’s mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems would be upgraded, classrooms would be expanded, and additional deficiencies would be addressed, among other improvements.
Was the community involved in this process?
MCSD officials have placed an emphasis on engaging with members of our community because it’s important that we have a shared vision for what the future of education looks like at MCSD.
The district created a facility committee, which includes members of the community, to examine the challenges that exist at Miller Middle School and identify potential solutions. Community surveys were organized by the district to gather valuable feedback, and community meetings were held that featured tours of the school and a presentation with information provided by INVISION Architecture and Boyd Jones Construction.
The homepage of this website also features a response form that allows residents to ask questions or provide input.
Will community members get to vote on the proposed solution to the district's facility needs?
Yes. Registered voters who reside in the MCSD will be able to consider the school bond referendum on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.
How would an approved bond affect property taxes
The MCSD School Board and administration have a history of respecting the needs of property taxpayers. Since 2021, the district’s overall levy rate has declined by 12.8%, to stand at $15.99 per $1,000 of taxable property value.
An approved bond referendum would result in an estimated tax impact of $1.28 per $1,000 of taxable property value. This means a home worth $200,000 would see a monthly impact of $9.37 ($112.43 annually). For a commercial property with a taxable value of $150,000, the monthly tax impact would be $7.41 ($88.98 annually).
Based on the Marshall County average assessed value of $2,168 per acre, the monthly tax impact for agricultural property would be $0.17 per acre ($1.99 annually).
How does MCSD's property tax levy compare to other districts?
The district’s current overall levy rate of $15.99 per $1,000 of taxable property value is in line with many of MCSD’s peers, both by proximity and enrollment.
The chart below shows where our current levy rate ranks and where MCSD would stand with an approved bond referendum.
How much revenue would an approved bond generate?
An approved bond on November 5, 2024 would provide $57 million to use in conjunction with revenue that MCSD receives from the statewide one-cent sales tax fund known as Secure an Advanced Vision for Education (SAVE).
Why should we move forward with these improvements now?
By acting now, MCSD can address its needs in both of the district’s communities and position our schools to better serve future generations of students. Delaying the proposed bond referendum projects will lead to higher costs later due to inflation, rising material and labor costs, and increasing interest rates, among other factors.
Why can't MCSD build a new middle school?
Building a new school would cost more than what it would take to reimagine Miller Middle School. In addition, the district would have to acquire land that would likely be on the southern edge of the city to build a new school. A majority of our students live on the north side of town and Miller Middle School is centrally located within the community and district.
The "bones" of Miller Middle School remain in good shape and the district, as well as architects and engineers involved with this project, believe we can get more for our students through a reimagined facility. This proposal also allows the district to retain one of Marshalltown's historic structures.
What are the district's enrollment trends?
Unlike many school districts statewide, Marshalltown CSD has been fortunate to experience steady enrollment over the past two decades.
In 2004, our certified enrollment was 5,198 students. By 2014-15, enrollment rose by 3.5% to 5,385. During the 2023-24 school year, certified enrollment was 5,352.
When is election day?
The election will beheld on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. The polls will be open form 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. A valid ID will be needed in order to cast a ballot.
What is the question that will appear on the ballot?
Voters will see the following question on the ballot November 5, 2024:
Shall the Board of Directors of the Marshalltown Community School District in the County of Marshall, State of Iowa, be authorized to contract indebtedness and issue General Obligation Bonds in an amount not to exceed $57,000,000 to provide funds to build, furnish, and equip additions to the Miller Middle School building; to remodel, repair, equip, and improve existing portions of the Miller Middle School building and related site improvements; to acquire and install audiovisual enhancement systems to Miller Middle School and District elementary school buildings; and to remodel, repair, equip, and improve existing portions of Franklin Field?
How do I register to vote?
Eligible voters must complete a voter registration form and return it to your County Auditor’s Office before election day.
Do I need an ID to vote?
Yes. A valid ID is necessary in order to cast a ballot. More information is available on the Iowa Secretary of State’s website at https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/voterinformation/voteridfaq.html.
Can I cast an absentee ballot in this election?
Yes. Registered voters may request a mailed absentee ballot ahead of election day through the Marshall County Auditor’s Office. The first day that voters can request a mailed absentee ballot is August 27. Ballots will be mailed starting October 17.
To receive a mailed absentee ballot, complete a request form and return it to the auditor’s office. The deadline to request a mailed ballot is October 21. Ballots must be received by the auditor’s office before the polls close at 8:00 p.m. on election day to be considered for counting.
In-person absentee voting will be available at the Marshall County Auditor’s Office starting on October 16. This office is located on the third floor of the Marshall County Courthouse (101 E. Main St., Marshalltown). Voting will be available weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. until November 4.