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Webster City High School Facilities Project

The Webster City Community School District has spent the past few years looking critically at the needs of our students and our facilities. The district will ask voters to support three ballot questions on September 8, 2026.

Why Now?

A strong school system is the foundation of a thriving community. Several of the Webster City School District’s priorities in this project align with the City’s needs. Through a Strategic Advisory committee, we are taking time to hear from the community and incorporate feedback into our plans. These facilities will be accessible to students and residents alike.

Demands for a modern, collaborative environment focusing on learning and experiences that take place beyond the classroom are rapidly increasing. 

  • Our current infrastructure does not meet contemporary safety standardsand accessibility requirements. 
  • Our existing facility is outdated, lacking sufficient classroom space, sized nearly 30% smaller than national recommendations. 
  • Climate Control inadequacies create disruptions to the educational experience, impacting student engagement. 
  • Updated learning environments that positively impact every educational program. 
  • Multi-use activity space upgrades are needed to better serve P. E, athletics, and community needs.

 We hope to make this critical investment for both our students’ future and the broader community. By addressing current limitations and planning for future student needs, we will enhance educational outcomes, support student success, and strengthen our community ties. 

Current classrooms are 650 sq ft, the national standard is 900 sq ft.
The office is not located directly at the front entrance, allowing visitors access to classrooms and hallways prior to checking in with staff.
Current bathroom entrances are not accessible by wheelchair.
Chairlift can not be used while stairs are occupied, resulting in students being late to class if they need access to the lift.
Student physical education facilities are undersized and have outdated equipment.
Lack of climate control in classrooms make it difficult for students to focus, and is a barrier to educational growth.

District Needs

  • Air conditioned instructional spaces throughout
  • Larger, modern classrooms designed to support today's instructional practices
  • Updated learning environments that positively impact every educational program
  • Significant improvements focused primarily on academics
  • Safety and Security upgrades
  • Learning and Environment Upgrades
  • Athletic Facilities Upgrades
    • Weight room - This room is not equipped for modern safety requirements when it comes to students participating in conditioning. Two stories means it makes it difficult for one Physical Education teacher to look after all students at any given time. The equipment needs to be updated as well, accommodating for larger students (both in size and number).
    • Resurfaced Track - Current lanes are too narrow and hurdles are special-ordered to fit the lanes.

Finance Breakdown

While the proposed PPEL would increase the PPEL levy beginning in FY2028 by approximately $0.57 per $1,000 of taxable valuation.

What is a VPPEL?

On the ballot will be a VPPEL (or PPEL), which stands for voter-approved physical plant and equipment levy. A VPPEL provides funding to improve school buildings and grounds, and purchase vehicles, technology and school equipment.

Now is the time! Webster City Schools have a unique opportunity to make facility improvements while lowering taxes for a majority of residents.

Webster City School District is scheduled to make final payment on the competition gym in June 2028. The payoff is expected to reduce the district's debt service levy by approximately $2.06 per $1,000 of taxable valuation.

Ballot Language

1. Can the District use existing SAVE (state sales tax) revenue for the broad range of infrastructure purposes authorized under Iowa law, including:
- Facility improvements
- Technology
- School safety
- Transportation
- Debt payments
- Other eligible capital projects

2. Amend the Current Voter Approved Physical Plant and Equipment (PPEL) Levy (Question 2 of 3)
Can the District levy an additional $0.57 (VPPEL) for a period of three years (FY2028–FY2030).
If approved, the District's total VPPEL authority would increase from the current $0.77 rate to the maximum allowable $1.34 rate during those three years.

3. Continuing to Levy a Voter Approved Physical Plant and Equipment (PPEL) Levy (Question 3 of 3)
Can the District continue levying $1.34 per $1,000 of taxable valuation for an additional 10-year period beginning in FY2031 and continuing through FY2040.

The first question asks voters to approve an increase to reach the maximum levy rate during the final 3 years of the current VPPEL.
This question asks voters to continue that authority for an additional 10 years beginning in FY2031.

 

Voting Info

Tuesday, September 8, 2026 from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Hamilton County Fairgrounds
1200 Bluff St. Webster City, IA - The Ed Prince Building

 

Voters must live in the Webster City Community School District and be registered to vote in Hamilton County. You can register on Election Day with proof of address or your primary form of ID.

 

Additional Links

 

BROCHURE

If you need a brochure in Spanish, please visit the District Office at 820 Des Moines Street or call 515-832-9200.

Si necesita un folleto en español, por favor visite la oficina del distrito en 820 Des Moines Street o llame al 515-832-9200.

FAQs