Ankeny Schools to Seek $18.5 Million Bond Referendum for New Elementary School

Ankeny School Superintendent Matthew Wendt Monday laid out an aggressive schedule to seek an $18.5 million bond referendum to build the district’s .

“It’s a short window, but we’re confident,” said Wendt, of the plan to bring the issue before voters in a little more than three months.

The board approved the motion to issue General Obligation Bonds totaling $18.5 million to buy the land and build and furnish a new elementary school. The vote was 5-0, with one member absent and another who abstained because of his financial license.

The district is seeking 2,000 signatures by next month to ensure the referendum can be placed on the ballot for Sept. 11. The measure needs 60 percent approval to pass.

Wendt said the district is saving money on the project because the new school will use the Prairie Trail Elementary School design.

Board member Pat Cahill said, “We’re saving a significant amount.”

School officials propose selling district-owned land and using the money from the referendum to pay for the new elementary school. The site has not been disclosed.