DeWitt School Board approves master-plan updates with no property-tax increase

The Central DeWitt Community School District Board of Education has unanimously approved an updated $54 million facility improvement master plan, according to a news release from the school district. The proposal, which aims to modernize aging infrastructure and consolidate all PreK–12 students onto a single connected campus, will be funded with no increase to the current property tax rate.

After the conclusion of the 2026 Iowa legislative session and additional review of district facility priorities, the board updated the district’s facility master plan to better align with current needs and available funding sources. The original $58 million master plan approved in April included construction of a new transportation facility. After further evaluation, the board removed that component from the project scope and instead included funding to address maintenance and improvements to the district’s existing transportation and maintenance facilities.

These revisions reduced the overall project investment to $54 million while preserving the plan’s core objectives of enhancing safety and security, addressing aging infrastructure, creating additional educational opportunities, and maintaining fiscal responsibility. As a result, the district plans to place a $33.7 million General Obligation Bond on the November 2026 ballot to fund the community’s portion of the investment.

Because the district paid off its previous bond debt ahead of schedule, passing this referendum will simply extend current levy payments rather than increase them. The remaining 38% of the project will be covered using state SAVE sales tax revenues and existing Physical Plant & Equipment Levy (PPEL) reserves, ensuring a tax-neutral impact for local property owners.

• Key components of the multi-phase facility plan include:
• Enhancing school safety
• Addressing aged infrastructure
• Creating more learning opportunities at every grade level
• No tax rate Increase – fiscally responsible.

“Throughout this process, we have listened carefully to our community, evaluated our facility needs, and explored solutions that balance educational priorities with fiscal stewardship,” said Jodi Prosise. “The Board unanimously supports this plan because it addresses significant needs, creates new opportunities for students rather than holding our students back, and does so without increasing the current property tax rate. We are grateful to everyone who participated in the planning process and helped shape this vision for Central DeWitt’s future.”

The plan successfully addresses critical maintenance across the district while resolving operational inefficiencies. By moving students out of the aging Ekstrand Elementary building—where infrastructure dates back to 1968—and expanding the main campus, the district will eliminate duplicate operational, administrative, and transportation costs. This consolidation also creates an opportunity to repurpose the Ekstrand site for future community use.

To officially place the bond referendum on the November ballot, community members are gathering signatures from registered voters within the district boundaries.

“This plan represents much more than a facilities project—it’s an investment in the future of Central DeWitt students and our community,” said Stephanie Mishler, superintendent. “By creating a connected campus, we can provide enhanced learning opportunities, improve safety and security, address critical infrastructure needs, and operate more efficiently while maintaining our commitment to fiscal responsibility. Most importantly, this plan positions our district to serve students for generations to come.”

Community involvement and next steps

A General Obligation Bond election is proposed for Nov. 3. Community members are currently gathering petition signatures to place the measure on the ballot, and residents may also stop
by the district office to sign the petition during regular business hours.

Residents can learn more about the proposed improvement plan by reviewing the district’s comprehensive facility planning process, findings, and recommendations, the release says. Additional information – including project details, informational meetings, facility tours, and community engagement opportunities – will be shared throughout the summer and fall leading up to Election Day.

For more information, visit here.

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