TOLEDO — After years of planning, failed bond attempts, leadership transitions, and years of construction, leaders of the South Tama County Community School District officially cut the ribbon on the new middle school in Toledo — the former Iowa Juvenile Home — on Thursday afternoon

Community members gathered for the cutting on the grounds of the new middle school, set to open on Monday, August 25. Superintendent John Cain welcomed the crowd, applauding the years of effort that had brought the project to life.

“This is more than a school,” he said. “It’s a promise to our kids and to the future of South Tama County. What an exciting day. We’ve got a beautiful building, an outstanding staff, and a community that came together to make this possible. A lot of effort goes into kicking off a new school year — let alone when you’re doing it in a brand new building — and it simply could not have happened without the teamwork and dedication of so many people. If you’ve ever heard the phrase ‘it takes a whole village,’ well, I think we’ve got half the village standing right here today. This is the result of years of persistence, support, and belief in our students, and I could not be prouder to share this moment with all of you.”

Several speakers followed, representing different aspects of the community and the project.

Elizabeth Dolezal, STC School Board President, thanked current and former board members, superintendents, and community task force participants for keeping it alive through setbacks.

Lori Baier of the Hometown Action Team reflected on grassroots efforts that helped build momentum for the successful 2022 bond vote. While Denise Fletcher highlighted the community’s role in landscaping, with donations and volunteers providing plants and labor to adorn the school with appropriate foliage and greenery. Maintenance Director Steve McAdoo praised his custodial and maintenance staff for going above and beyond during construction.

Former middle school principal and current high school principal Ben Adams expressed excitement about the opportunities the facility would provide before turning it over to his successor. Jennifer Nelson, the new middle school principal, said she felt fortunate to begin her principalship in such a modern, welcoming environment, adding that she felt she was “exactly where she should be.”

The construction partners were also represented. Doug DeMeulenaere, owner of Garling Construction, praised the teamwork behind the project, calling the transformation one of the most rewarding projects he had been part of. Bob Mickelson of ISG presented a commemorative plaque to the district, reading an inscription that called the school “a vision transformed into a vibrant place where students can thrive and the community can take pride.” Cain also recognized Palar, an ISG architect who stepped in at a critical point to redirect the project and help keep it on track.

In a close to the ceremony, Cain spoke more about the process of renovation and the process it entailed.

“This transformation didn’t happen by magic. It took vision, determination, and — let’s be honest — a lot of time and effort from a lot of people. You’ve heard from many of them today. Our staff, our community, and our partners poured countless hours into making this facility a reality. And guess what? We came in right at budget — maybe even a little under — and how often do you hear that with construction these days?” Cain pivoted towards students to conclude.

“But more important than the dollars and cents is what will happen here starting Monday. When our students walk into these halls for the first time, their faces will be full of hope, pride, curiosity, maybe even a little bewilderment. That moment is our why. It is why we worked together, why we dedicated our time and energy, and why this building is more than just a school. It’s a promise — a promise to our kids and to the future of South Tama County that they deserve nothing less than our very best. After all, that’s the Trojan Way.”

In a statement to the T-R, former Superintendent Jared Smith, who now leads Waterloo Public Schools, reflected on the milestone.

“I could not be happier for the students, staff, families, and entire South Tama County community,” Smith said. “This new middle school is a tremendous step forward and a reflection of the community’s commitment to its children. Even more importantly, it lays the foundation for future generations to learn, grow, and thrive. #TheTrojanWay”

As the ribbon was cut and the crowd cheered, Cain reminded the community that the new building represented years of persistence and teamwork. While final touches are still being completed, the building is now ready to welcome students.

History of the project

What began as a failed bond referendum vote in 2020, has culminated, five years later, in a modern facility designed to serve the district for generations.

The road to a new facility was far from straightforward. In March 2020, South Tama voters were asked to approve a $20.8 million bond issue to build a middle school addition onto the high school. While the measure received 53.9% support — a slim majority — Iowa law required a 60% supermajority, and the proposal failed. Out of more than 5,200 registered voters in the district, only 1,581 cast ballots.

After much discussion and planning, the board unanimously approved a second attempt on December 30, 2021: a $26.8 million bond referendum to repurpose the vacant Iowa Juvenile Home in Toledo. The plan proposed renovating the campus into a modern middle school, with an addition built onto the north end of the structure.

This time, the response was overwhelming. On March 1, 2022, voters passed a $15 million bond to move the project forward. The measure earned an 83% approval rate, with 871 yes votes to 173 no votes — a decisive turnaround from just two years earlier.

The district also saw a change in leadership within the process. Superintendent Jared Smith, who guided the bond process, departed after the 2021-2022 school year. The school board hired John Cain to lead the district beginning in 2022-2023, tasking him with overseeing the middle school’s construction and bringing it to completion.

The district partnered with ISG Architecture to lead the design, demolition, and planning. ISG worked closely with the board to refine costs, ultimately saving around $6 million by adjusting features such as gym roofing, parking surfaces, and office layouts while maintaining core educational needs. Sustainability was a focus, with ISG reusing geothermal systems and salvaging equipment from the old facility.

When bids were opened, Garling Construction was awarded the Phase Two contract in August 2023, valued at $25.67 million, slightly under the initial estimates. Their work included both renovations of the old Juvenile Home and the construction of new learning spaces.

Following the ribbon cutting, community members were invited inside for guided tours of the new facility. Staff wearing yellow shirts helped lead visitors through classrooms, common areas, and new learning spaces, offering the public its first detailed look at the completed project. Cookies and refreshments were served as families explored the building, and the district’s open house began shortly after, giving students and parents an opportunity to meet staff and prepare for the school year ahead.