Petitions Circulate to Put $51 Million School Referendum on Fall Ballot

From talking with revelers during Green Days last weekend to appearing at school events this week, work is continuing to gather the signatures needed on a petition that would let Johnston school district residents vote on whether to build a new high school.

The Johnston school board voted June 11 to pursue a bond election for a new high school. The next step is for a petition to come to the board that would authorize the board to call for a public vote on whether to issue up to $51 million in bonds. Sixty percent of those voting in the special election would have to vote yes for construction to proceed.

According to the school district's website, signing the petition does not indicate a position either for or against the proposal, only that the school board should submit this bond referendum to district voters. The petitions must be signed in person.

Supporters will be at community and school events through Thursday seeking signatures on the petitions.

The district said petitions are also available at the following locations:

• Johnston Administrative Resource Center, 5608 Merle Hay Road
Hours: M-F, 7:45 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.

• Johnston High School Office, 6501 N.W. 62nd Ave.
Hours: M-F, 7:30 a.m.-noon and 1-3 p.m.

• Johnston Public Library, 6700 Merle Hay Road
Hours: M-TH, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and F/Sat, 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

The goal is to have community members bring a petition with at least 525 eligible signatures to the school board meeting on June 25, the district said. The public may attend the June 25 meeting.

In addition to the public school board meetings, public meetings regarding the district’s plan and bond referendum will be held later this summer.