Moving Forward with Mission 2030
Mission 2030 is continuing its long-range work to address facility needs and create learning environments that support students at every stage of their education.
That vision is already taking shape. Phase 1 work at East Elementary is underway utilizing SAVE revenue to bring grades K-5 together under one roof by Fall 2028.
The next phase of Mission 2030 would create a dedicated 6–8 middle school at West, add a gym at East Elementary, and improve the school campus with safer, more efficient parking and traffic flow.
"Our goals for Mission 2030 remain clear: improve the student experience, expand access to programming and create opportunities for excellence — all while using our resources responsibly."
— Cynthia Phillips, Superintendent
What Will Voters Decide?
November 3, 2026
Shall the Board of Directors of the Independence Community School District in the Counties of Buchanan and Benton, State of Iowa, be authorized to contract indebtedness and issue General Obligation Bonds in an amount not to exceed $24,990,000 to provide funds to build, furnish, and equip additions to East and West Elementary Schools; and to remodel, repair, improve, and equip East and West Elementary Schools and to improve the sites, including related demolition at West Elementary?
60% voter approval is required for the bond to pass.
Project Cost & Funding
|
PHASE 2
Middle School at West + East Elementary Gym + Elementary Campus Improvements
Proposed GO Bond Funding
|
Not to exceed
$24.99 million
|
Tax Impact
| Max Property Tax Increase | $1.41 |
|
Predicted Property Tax Rate
FY 2028 Budget
|
$1.24 |
LEGEND
Phase 1 Projects Completed with SAVE Funds
1. Classroom Addition for Grades 3-5 & Storm Shelter
2. Cafeteria & Kitchen Addition
3. Kitchen, Cafeteria, & Storage Renovation
Phase 2 Projects Funded by GO Bond
4. Gym Addition & Storage at Elem. Building
5. Media Center, Classroom Addition for Grades 7 - 8 & storm Shelter
6. Renovate Existing Offices, Renovate Cafeteria, & Basement Mitigation
7. Demolish Portions of the Wheel
8. Improve Parking & Traffic Flow
A Plan Shaped Around Our Students
Three Schools.
Three Grade Bands.
The plan creates learning environments organized around the educational needs of elementary, middle, and high school students.
| Today
East Elementary West Elementary Junior / Senior High |
→ | Mission 2030
Elementary School Middle School
High School |
THE PATH TO 2030
ON THE NOVEMBER 3RD BALLOT
Middle School at West
A dedicated learning environment for grades 6 - 8
The proposed bond would fund additions and renovations to create a dedicated middle school at West.
- Classrooms for grades 7 and 8
- New media center
- Secure entrance and storm shelter space
- Renovated offices
- Renovated cafeteria
- Basement mitigation
- Building improvements needed for the middle school configuration
Targeted Completion: Fall 2029
" Our teachers have made a collective commitment to do our best for students every day. Every day, Indee Middle School is becoming more of a place where students feel safe trying new things and doing their best."
— Jon Carey | Social Studies, TLC Mentor Teacher, Coach, and Parent
East Elementary Gym
Separate spaces for learning, meals, and physical education East Elementary currently uses one space as both its gym and cafeteria. The proposed bond would fund a dedicated gymnasium at East Elementary, allowing the existing space to serve as the cafeteria. Targeted Completion: Fall 2029
Elementary Campus Improvements
Safer, more efficient campus circulation
After the middle school renovation, the proposed project would remove would remove an older portion of West, known as “the wheel,” and reconfigure the site.
- Separate parent and school bus traffic
- Improve student pickup and drop-off
- Reconfigure parking
- Improve circulation around the middle school
Targeted Completion: Fall 2030
Mission 2030 Timeline
What is the predicted impact to your tax rate?
With an additional $8.29 per month on a $200,000 home, the community will address urgent needs for our students and teachers.