A graphic posted to Facebook by the Gladbrook-Reinbeck Community School District depicting the secondary building in Reinbeck as it might look if the $17.3 million bond referendum slated for the Nov. 4, 2025 city/school election is passed by a supermajority of voters. IMAGE COURTESY OF GLADBROOK-REINBECK SCHOOLS/FACEBOOK

REINBECK — During the Aug. 28 regular Gladbrook-Reinbeck school board meeting, the board approved a resolution ordering an election on the issuance of $17.3 million in general obligation school bonds to build a high school addition in Reinbeck.

The public measure, requiring a 60% supermajority to pass, will appear on the Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025 ballot as follows:

“Shall the Board of Directors of the Gladbrook-Reinbeck Community School District in the Counties of Tama, Marshall, Black Hawk, and Grundy, State of Iowa, be authorized to contract indebtedness and issue General Obligation Bonds in an amount not to exceed $17,300,000 to provide funds to build, furnish, and equip a classroom addition to the Junior High / High School building, with related remodeling and improvements, and site improvements?”

In a social media post following the meeting, Superintendent Caleb Bonjour said such funds, if approved, would address:

-Replacing deteriorating infrastructure from the over 100-year-old 1921 building

-Adding a secure entry and classroom addition to improve safety and replace outdated learning spaces

-Upgrading HVAC and electrical systems for safety, health, and energy efficiency

-Improving accessibility to meet ADA requirements for all students and visitors

-Creating flexible, functional learning spaces for current and future programming

During Phase II construction, the existing practice gym and the auditorium would remain in use.

“This work builds on the district’s other facility improvements, including the SAVE-funded elementary project (currently in final design) and the PPEL-supported updates approved by voters earlier this year. Together, these efforts represent a coordinated plan to keep Gladbrook-Reinbeck schools safe and ready for the future,” Bonjour wrote.

Also during the Aug. 28 meeting, the board approved two separate agreements with design-build firm SitelogIQ for professional design and professional services.

The contract for design pertains to the high school addition and totals $1,932,000. The agreement estimates the total project costs at $16.8 million.

The separate services contract includes a lump sum fee for $1,218,000 – like the design contract, payable only upon successful passage of the Nov. 2025 referendum – plus an additional $20,000 fee due upon signature for “referendum support service” which includes printing and mailing of informational materials.

Town halls, open houses

The school district will host two town halls and two open houses in the lead-up to the November 2025 city/school election.

During the town halls, families are invited to “learn more, ask questions, and view the plans,” per Bonjour. The first is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 23, from 7-8 p.m. at the Gladbrook Theatre in Gladbrook; the second is set for the following evening, Wednesday, Sept. 24, from 7-8 p.m. at the high school in Reinbeck.

The pair of open houses will include building tours and a Q&A with a financial advisor. The first is set for Tuesday, Oct. 14, from 7-8:30 p.m. at the high school; the second is set for Tuesday, Oct. 28, from 7-8:30 p.m. at the high school.

“In the coming weeks, the district will share more information through a dedicated website, fact sheet, community mailer, videos, and other resources,” Bonjour further wrote on Facebook. “Please also follow us on social media and watch your mailbox for updates.

“Thank you for staying engaged as we work together to ensure safe and supportive schools for every G-R student.”