Dallas Center-Grimes board accepts petition, votes to order $88 million bond election for November

The Dallas Center-Grimes Community School District board on Monday accepted a petition signed by 711 residents and voted to place a $88,000,000 general-obligation bond question on the November 4, 2025 ballot.

The petition, delivered to the board during the meeting by district staff, “ask[ed] the board to set an election for construction of $88,000,000 to reconstruct, repair, improve, remodel, furnish, equip portions of the high school, including facilities and spaces supporting extracurricular activities at the high school campus, to construct, furnish equipped additions to the existing high school building, to reconstruct, repair, improve, remodel, furnish, and equip portions of the existing middle school building in Dallas Center, Dallas Center, and Northridge Elementary buildings to make safety, security, and technology improvements, and playground and site improvements at all elementary buildings and the middle school building, and to improve, furnish, and equip Oakview athletic facility, and reconstruct, repair, improve, remodel, furnish, and equip the existing transportation and operations facility, including the construction of 1 additional building and parking lot improvements and improving the site,” a district staff member said when presenting the petition.

Why it matters: If approved by voters, the measure would provide funding for a broad set of capital projects across the district, from classroom safety and technology upgrades to a transportation/operations facility expansion and improvements to athletic and playground facilities. The board and staff said the ballot language would be what voters see and that the district’s role is to provide information to the community ahead of the vote.

Board discussion and next steps Dr. Bloom, speaking for district leadership, said that approval by the board would allow the district to place the measure on the November ballot and begin a public-information phase. The board approved the resolution ordering the election after a motion and second; polls will be open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Nov. 4, 2025, if the resolution is certified.

Michelle Majum, speaking for district finance staff, reviewed how the bond would affect the district’s debt-service levy. “That levy rate for debt service that is currently at $4.05 will remain at $4.05 whether the election passes or does not pass,” Majum said, explaining that the board had previously used pre-levies to reduce outstanding debt and that the district would likely again use pre-levying strategy depending on outcomes. She cautioned that overall property-tax rates are influenced by multiple factors—state aid, enrollment changes and other budget items—so total property-tax impact is a more complex calculation.

Auditor, timeline and public engagement Board members and staff said the district already has a community facilities team that collected the petition signatures and will transition to a community outreach and “yes” team if the board finalizes placement of the question. Board members asked how the district plans to communicate project details and to take community input on design priorities. AJ Ellingson, the district’s communications director, said the communications team will begin a two-month public-information effort if the board finalizes the ballot placement and will attend PTO and community groups to share facts and answer questions.

Facilities and auditorium planning Staff presented initial cost estimates and trade-offs discussed by the facilities team. Consultants produced options for new auditorium space and upgrades: a new 900-seat auditorium attached to the high school was estimated at about $32,000,000; a new 900-seat auditorium at Oakview was estimated at about $28,000,000. Staff said the full bond package would not be driven solely by a new auditorium and that the district’s facilities team recommended prioritizing multiple security, instructional and playground projects first. For near-term needs, staff estimated about $5,000,000 of work could significantly upgrade the existing auditorium short of a full replacement.

Community involvement Officials said parents and community members who want to be involved in design and oversight can register their interest with district staff or sign up through the bond information area on the district website. Staff said stakeholder committees will be convened during project phases if the bond is approved.

Outcome The board voted to approve the resolution ordering the election on the issuance of $88,000,000 in general-obligation school bonds. The motion carried.

What’s next If voters approve the measure in November, the district will move into project phasing and stakeholder engagement for facility designs, timelines and contractor selection; staff said the district will publish schedules for public meetings and offer opportunities for parents and residents to serve on design teams or feedback committees.