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Waterloo board sets July 29 public hearing on roughly $165 million sales‑tax bond for one‑high‑school plan
Summary
The board approved a resolution setting a July 29 public hearing on a proposed issuance of about $165 million in sales‑tax revenue bonds to convert Central Middle School into a new high school and fund related projects. Board members delivered extended statements both supporting and questioning the one‑high‑school plan, focused on equity, transportation and projected educational benefits.
The Waterloo Community School District Board of Education on July 8 approved a resolution setting a public hearing for July 29 at 5 p.m. on a proposed issuance of approximately $165 million in school infrastructure sales‑tax revenue bonds. The district said the proceeds would be used to convert the Central Middle School building into a new high school, construct additions, remake the site and finance other authorized school infrastructure projects.
The board’s vote formally starts the two‑meeting process required under Iowa law for sales‑tax bond issues: today’s resolution to set the hearing and a second meeting to hold the hearing and consider approval. The board’s published notice is scheduled to appear in The Courier on July 16.
Board members spent the bulk of the meeting debating the merits and risks of the proposed one‑high‑school approach. Supporters argued the plan would better align academic and career programming and improve student outcomes by consolidating access to the district’s Waterloo Career Center. "We made a quite a good investment in the Waterloo Career Center… I do believe with a comprehensive approach from pre‑K through high school the alignment allows us to implement consistent strategies," said Director Mattlock, who said he planned to vote yes on moving the hearing forward.
Opponents raised concerns about equity, transportation logistics and long‑term maintenance costs for buildings the district would keep. Terry Stevens, a public commenter, urged the board to consider past patterns of investment, saying, "I’m here to speak against the upcoming vote by this District to build yet another school on the west side of Waterloo," and called for a more even distribution of resources.
Board members also debated enrollment numbers, graduation and attendance statistics cited by administration as rationale for consolidation. Supporters pointed to higher engagement and graduation rates for students who take career‑center courses; critics said more work was needed on boundary and transportation plans and on community engagement before approving a final bond resolution.
The resolution approved July 8 only fixes the public‑hearing date and starts statutorily required notice and petition windows under Iowa Code Section 423.f42 and related statutes; it does not authorize bond sale or spending. If a valid petition requesting an election is filed within 14 days after the hearing, the board may be required to put the proposal to voters.
Next steps: the board will hold the public hearing on July 29, then may consider a resolution supporting the issuance of bonds. Administration said additional workshops and community information sessions are scheduled before the hearing.
