PPEL meets approval on second vote

     The North Iowa School District will have new money to pay for school improvements, technology and more starting next school year. Voters in the district gave their approval to a Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL) during last Tuesday’s school election, which will generate about $400,000 for the school each year for a period of 10 years.

     This was the second time a PPEL proposal had come before local voters. The first ballot measure was voted down by a narrow margin back in April, but this time around, the measure passed by 85 votes. The unofficial results of the September 12 vote show 347 voters in favor (56.98%), with 262 voters saying no (43.02%). The measure needed a simple majority to pass.

     North Iowa Supt. Cory Myer says the PPEL will have a very positive impact on students, families, and the entire school district.

     “There were a lot of community members who worked really hard to educate people about the benefits of the PPEL, and I appreciate all of the work they did on behalf our children,” said Myer. “As we move forward, the school will continue to be fiscally responsible and transparent with taxpayers’ funds. I hope in a few years, everyone will be able to look back on the PPEL vote and feel very proud of the positive impact it is having on the school district.”

     The PPEL will go into effect with the 2018-19 school year, with funds being generated through property tax and an income surtax.

     Myer says the school board will now spend some time prioritizing projects that it wants to use the PPEL funds on, and he says one of the first projects they’ll do is to install LED lighting in the school. Another project he thinks they’ll proceed with fairly quickly is getting a new, mobile-friendly website for the district.