A NEW HOME FOR OUR YOUNGEST LEARNERS
On Tuesday, November 4, 2025, Emmetsburg Community School District residents will vote on a general obligation bond issue not to exceed $25.62 million.
An approved bond would provide the funds necessary to build a new 65,000 square-foot facility to replace West Elementary School—and repurpose West as a community daycare center.
The learning areas at West were constructed in 1950 and 1959. A new elementary school will ensure our youngest learners have an exceptional learning environment with the resources they need to fulfill their potential for many years to come.
Under this proposal, the classroom wings at West Elementary would be demolished and repairs would be made to the exterior. The south addition—completed in 2013—would remain and be repurposed as part of a new agreement with the YMCA.
This would allow the facility, which would remain owned by ECSD, to transition into a rent-generating childcare center. No public dollars will be used for a daycare.
The projected total project cost would be $30.45 million. Along with general obligation bond funds, the district would use $4.83 million worth of statewide sales tax revenue it receives from the Save an Advanced Vision for Education fund, also known as SAVE.
If voters approve the bond measure, property taxpayers would see an estimated impact of $1.59 per $1,000 of taxable property value (not assessed value). This would result in an increase of approximately $15.08 per month on a home worth $250,000.
JOIN US!
We are hosting a town hall meeting before election day to provide ECSD residents with opportunities to ask questions and learn more about the district's facility needs and the November bond referendum.
Join us at West Elementary on Sunday, October 26, at 6:00 p.m.
"I had not been inside West Elementary and I have been here in Emmetsburg about 8 years. I see the pick-up and drop-off issues, but I had not been inside.
The key for me was the tour of the building. (West) appears to be in good shape on the outside, but the infrastructure is pretty bad and having the tour and the pointing out of the issues by a very experienced and knowledgeable Mr. Carpenter was very eye-opening.
The information shared was also good and informed, and also the work you have done to bring the cost down for taxpayers was also important.” —Marla Berg
A COMMUNITY-DRIVEN PROCESS
In November 2024, a $29.75 million bond issue received support from more than half of voters, but finished short of the 60% approval needed to pass. Since then, the needs at West Elementary have not changed, and district leaders have continued to engage with residents.
Approximately 98% of the community members who completed our survey in January said they are very familiar or somewhat familiar with the facility issues at West Elementary. Roughly 81% said they agree the issues need to be addressed now.
The survey also asked those who voted in 2024 why they believe the bond referendum was unsuccessful. Among the issues mentioned often was the project cost and the projected tax increase of $2.54 per $1,000 of taxable property value.
The district’s new proposal for November 2025 is nearly $5 million less than the bond issue on the ballot in 2024. The latest estimated tax impact has decreased by approximately $0.95 per $1,000.
“A strong, well-supported school system is key to attracting and retaining top talent in healthcare. It demonstrates that we value our families, our children, and the long-term well-being of our community. Investing in our schools isn’t just an investment in education—it’s an investment in the future of healthcare, economic growth, and in the strength of our entire community.” —Jonathan Moe, Palo Alto County Hospital CEO
IN THE NEWS
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CONTACT US
Please use this form to submit questions or feedback about the bond referendum.