FAQ

What is a bond?

A bond is similar to a home mortgage. It is a contract to repay borrowed money with interest over time. Bonds are sold by a school district to competing investors to raise funds to pay for the costs of new construction, renovations, and equipment. Many district use bonds to finance facility needs as they are unable to address large capital projects withing existing budget limitations.

What is included in the project?

The project includes 7 new classrooms, expanded and renovated industrial technology (shop) space, renovated space for student health and support services, improved and safer wrestling area, improved food service and cafeteria, updated heating and cooling systems and new competition gymnasium. The existing 1954 gym will be converted into classrooms to improve building capacity without the cost of new construction.

How was the project and bond amount determined?

The process has spanned nearly two years and has involved study and discussion at the board/administration level, feedback from district staff and community engagement meetings. Several options have been considered based on feedback with a $25 million option presented at the first community feedback meeting. Based on community feedback and board discussion it was determined to commit $1.5M in district funds toward the $19.75M project. These funds have been accumulated over time to address facility needs. This leaves $18.25M remaining to fund the project which is the bond amount to be voted on by registered voters residing in the district.

What is my tax impact?

The preliminary NET tax impact of the bond is estimated at 23.8 cents per $100 of assessed valuation. The NET impact is based upon the projected new bond levy needed once all bonds are issued minus the 3.5 cent bond levy in place for the 25-26 fiscal year which will no longer be needed since these bonds will be paid off. Please visit the Financial page at Loomisbond.com to use the individual tax calculator.

Why is it a mail in ballot?

It was determined by the board that an October mail in election versus waiting for the May 2026 Primary would be most cost effective. The cost of the mail in election will be a few thousand dollars compared to the projected construction inflation of delaying the project by nearly a year. Delaying the timeline could have could have an inflation impact (3-4% per year) of over $300,000 dollars.

How does option enrollment impact this project and our district?

Option enrollment students bring their talents, skills, and families to our district. They allow us to maintain an enrollment which supports successful academic and activity programs. Financially our net option enrollment brings in over $800,000 annually into our operational budget while it is projected we spend around $200,000 more for staffing and resources due to these numbers. That equates to around $600,000 in net revenue to the district. More detailed option enrollment information can be found on the Loomisbond.com website.

Why is a new gym included in the bond?

While there has been much discussion at community feedback meetings and at the board level on whether a new competition gym should be a part of the project solution it was decided by a majority of the board to include a new gym on the ballot. A majority of the board felt that repurposing the 1954 gym into academic classroom space and building a new competition gym was the best solution to address district needs now and well into the future.

Where can I go to get additional information on the bond?

The district’s goal is to provide information to all registered voters so they can make an informed decision on the bond issue. The district will be providing information in the following ways:

  • Contact superintendent or board members with any questions you may have
  • Informational website at loomisbond.com
  • Open houses and tours on September 16th from 6-8pm and September 17th from Noon-2pm
  • Informational posts on district social media
  • Informational mailer sent to all registered voter households
  • Informational booth at home games/events prior to bond issue

What is a Feasibility Study?

A feasibility study is an analysis done before putting a bond measure to voters, to see whether the proposed school construction / renovation/improvement project is viable. It helps the school district make informed decisions, define scope, estimate costs, and show voters that the plan is reasonable. Key components typically include:

  • Existing conditions: inspection of current facilities, infrastructure, code compliance, functionality, safety.
  • Educational program needs: what the school needs to support teaching goals (classroom size, labs, technology, etc.).
  • Alternative options: e.g. renovate existing buildings vs. new construction vs. partial remodeling.
  • Site analysis: land, geography, soils, utilities, site prep.
  • Finance & budget: cost estimates (hard and soft costs), operating/maintenance implications, debt service, tax impact.
  • Stakeholder input: possibly community surveys or public meetings to assess support.

The goal is to define a proposal that is realistic, affordable, has community support, and minimizes risk once it goes to the voters.


Why Do We Need More Classrooms and Space in Our School?  

Currently, students needing specialized learning or private testing spaces are forced to use the vestibule area as a quiet learning area due to space constraints.

Since the 2008 addition, the needs of public schools have grown significantly. Schools are now required to provide a wider range of essential services that take up additional space.

What kinds of services are now being offered that require more space?

  • Speech therapy
  • Title programs
  • Resource rooms
  • Special Education (SPED)
  • Life Skills programs
  • Sensory rooms
  • Reading support
  • Interventionists
  • Health Practitioners

The needed ISS and Group Rooms could serve as needed offices, testing spaces, school psych room or mother’s nursing rooms.

THE 1954 GYM FACTS

It’s not ADA Compliant and has reached it’s end of life as a functional activity space.

According to the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) — the organization that sets standards for high school sports — a regulation size court must be 84 ft x 50 ft with at least3 ft of clear space on all sides for player safety. The recommended clearance is a full 10 ft in all directions. While the Old Gym has been a valuable space, it cannot fit a regulation-size court and still provide the minimum required safety clearances. That means it’s not suitable for hosting official games or practices under current safety standards.

The school district has taken the practical approach to repurpose this space into classrooms.

  • Cost efficient approach to using the space
  • Created a smarter building flow by separating academic and athletic spaces
  • Allows the building to be secured during community events such as games, etc.