Supporters, Opponents Turn Out for Final Public Meeting Before $51 Million Bond Vote

Both supporters and opponents of a $51 million bond referendum showed up for the final public information meeting on Tuesday's Johnston school district election.

About 60 people attended Thursday's meeting to learn about the upcoming special election, which will ask residents if the at Northwest 100th Street and north of Northwest 62nd Avenue. If the bond passes, the school is expected to open in the fall of 2015.

Todd Mithelman, of Johnston, expressed his support for the $51 million bond issue, which, if approved would pay for the building of the high school.

"There has been a lot of work involved," he said. "It's wise to utilize the buildings in a smart way."

Mithelman cited his 22 years in construction when assuring parents the plan proposed for a more campus-like building was in line with schools he's seen built recently.

"It's not over the top," he said of the proposed $83 million school. "I spend more on my Verizon bill in one month than it will cost all year. I know money is tight, but look at the value you're getting."

John Roskam, of Johnston, asked residents to vote no on the issue until a different kind of funding can be determined.

"I'm fine with a new school, but we need to find a better way to pay for it," he said.

Roskam said that 13 additions or new schools had been built since he moved to Johnston in 1984. He questioned why subdivisions didn't pay more for their own schools.

On Thursday night, district officials presented a facility plan which is estimated to cost $122.3 million. The current high school would be remodeled to house eighth and ninth grades, while the current middle school would eventually house students from Wallace and a district-wide preschool.

A majority of the school's financing will come from sales tax and PPEL revenue.

Bob Lashier said several groups had been formed in support of the bond issue, one being the Citizen for Quality Johnston Schools.

"It's important the community step up," he said. "We need to invest in our community, our kids, and the long-term future of the place we call home."

Superintendent Clay Guthmiller said district officials have presented to nearly 40 groups in the community since August, including four public meetings at Johnston Middle School.

The bond must have a 60-percent favorable vote or it fails. If that happens, the Johnston School Board will have to determine next steps, which could include another bond election in April 2013. Guthmiller said if the bond fails the distirct would have to continue to utilize modular classrooms at Johnston Middle School, Beaver Creek and Horizon elementary schools.

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