Question 1

What is the proposed solution to address Panorama CSD’s needs?

Accepted Answer

Our goal is to ensure that Panorama CSD continues to be home to an exceptional educational experience where students have the learning environment and resources they need to be successful.

Like many school districts throughout Iowa, we face facility challenges that cannot be addressed through our annual operating budget alone.

Panorama Elementary School needs a new secure entrance, a new roof, and upgrades to the playground that ensure all students can access and enjoy it.

At Panorama Secondary School, bond revenue would fund a renovation of the shop area so we can enhance career and technical education for students. Renovations would also take place at the main entrance, the commons area, restrooms, and the art room.

We also have plans to construct a new competition gymnasium at the secondary school. This new facility would provide needed space for physical education, athletics, school activities, and community events.

Question 2

How was the decision made to pursue a bond referendum?

Accepted Answer

In February 2025, the district partnered with architects and engineers to complete a comprehensive assessment of our facilities. The district also solicited feedback from staff about our schools and formed an advisory committee to assist with facility planning.

Last spring, the committee provided the Board of Education with project recommendations for the elementary school and the secondary school. With an approved bond referendum on November 4, 2025, we will move forward with these improvements.

Question 3

Why is a gymnasium part of this proposal?

Accepted Answer

Our current middle school gym no longer meets the needs of our students, families, or the growing demands of our programs. The space is too limited to host many of our middle school events, making it difficult for participants, spectators, and the school community to fully engage.

Over the past five years, requests for gym space have steadily increased across multiple programs and age groups. In many cases, the only availability for practice time has been later at night when we would prefer that students are at home preparing for the next day of school or getting rest.

An approved bond issue would provide an opportunity to invest in a long-term solution — one that expands student opportunities, supports our school and community programs, and provides a safe, modern facility that serves our school and community for generations to come.
We are committed to building schools that families are proud to choose — schools that prioritize safety, opportunity, and a sense of belonging. Expanding our facilities means more than just adding space; it means creating a gym that can host a wide range of events, draw more people to our community, and provide a welcoming environment for students, families, and visitors alike. Modern, functional spaces help us retain the families we serve and attract new ones, including the talented staff who make our schools strong.
We believe that “good enough” is never enough. Growth comes from a mindset of continuous improvement — the same mindset we want to instill in every student. By investing in our physical spaces, we send a clear message: we take pride in our schools, we believe in our community’s future, and we are committed to creating an environment where excellence is expected and supported every day.

Question 4

Who would be able to use the planned middle school gymnasium?

Accepted Answer

The planned expansion of the middle school gymnasium will allow it to transition into the primary gymnasium for the high school, accommodating a full range of athletic, school-related activities, and community-related activities. The existing high school gymnasium would be repurposed as the gymnasium for the middle school.

Both facilities will be used extensively for physical education instruction, athletic practices and competitions, and as venues capable of hosting large events that serve the broader community.

Question 5

How would an approved bond affect property taxes?

Accepted Answer

An approved general obligation bond referendum would have an estimated property tax impact of up to $1.96 per $1,000 of taxable value (not assessed value).
For a $250,000 home in Panorama CSD, this would result in an annual increase of approximately $222.91 (or $18.58 per month). 
For a $400,000 home, the tax impact would be an estimated $362.36 per year.
For a commercial property assessed at $1 million, the annual tax impact would be approximately $1,638.85.
For an agricultural property assessed at $1 million, a property owner could expect to see an annual tax impact of approximately $1,432.84.

Question 6

How does Panorama CSD’s levy rate compare to other school districts?

Accepted Answer

For the current fiscal year, our school district’s total tax levy rate of $10.50 per $1,000 of taxable property value is the third-lowest in the West Central Activities Conference.

Compared to 10 school districts across Iowa with similar certified enrollment, Panorama CSD ranks near the bottom for property tax rates:
Madrid: $16.95
 Nodaway Valley: $13.80
Tri-Center: $12.76
Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn: $12.06
Clayton Ridge: $11.48
Louisa-Muscatine: $11.32
Gladbrook-Reinbeck: $11.18
Sibley-Ocheyedan: $10.74
Manson-NW Webster: $10.50
Panorama: $10.50
Pocahontas Area: $8.92

Question 7

What is the debt service levy, and how can it be used to fund projects?

Accepted Answer

The debt service levy is the portion of a school district’s property tax rate that is specifically used to pay back voter-approved bonds. These bonds are typically used for major projects like constructing new schools or renovating existing facilities.

When voters approve a general obligation bond, a school district borrows money to complete a project, and the debt service levy ensures there is money generated annually to make the required principal and interest payments. By law, debt service levy funds can only be used to repay the bonds — this money does not go toward daily operating costs like staff salaries and benefits, classroom supplies, or utilities.

The district’s debt service levy was $2.30 per $1,000 of taxable property value for many years until recently retiring debt from the 2007 bond issue that constructed Panorama Auditorium. With an approved bond in November, the district’s debt levy would be $1.96 per $1,000, which is lower than what local property taxpayers have experienced in recent years.

Question 8

What is the district’s current budget, and how are the funds spent?

Accepted Answer

Our budget for the fiscal year is $13,158,669. This includes our General Fund, Activity Fund, Management Fund, Physical Plant and Equipment levy (PPEL), SAVE Debt Service, and Nutrition. Each fund may be used for different purposes.

Question 9

How many bond referendums has Panorama CSD experienced since it was created in the 1990s?

Accepted Answer

In 1997, a bond referendum was approved by voters for the construction of our elementary school. In 2007, a bond was approved to build our auditorium. Both bonds have been retired.

Question 10

When did our community last have a bond referendum?

Accepted Answer

Panorama Community School District last issued a general obligation bond in 2007 to fund the Panorama Auditorium and additional classroom space. This was an approximately $10 million investment that was recently paid off.

Question 11

Why should we move forward with these projects now?

Accepted Answer

By acting now, we can address our needs and allow our schools to better serve future generations of students. Delaying the proposed bond issue projects will lead to higher costs later due to inflation and rising material and labor costs, among other factors.

Each component of this bond proposal addresses a crucial aspect of the needs assessment and aligns with the goals of both the district and the community. Before proceeding with any bond, we wanted to ensure that all of our needs are addressed and we have a clear plan in place to meet them.

Question 12

What is the question that will appear on the ballot?

Accepted Answer

Voters will see the following question on the ballot on Tuesday, November 4, 2025:

Shall the Board of Directors of the Panorama Community School District in the Counties of Guthrie, Dallas, and Greene, State of Iowa, be authorized to contract indebtedness and issue General Obligation Bonds in an amount not to exceed $19,600,000 to build, furnish, and equip an addition to the secondary building for a competition gymnasium, including site improvements; to remodel, repair, furnish, and equip the secondary building, including improvements to classrooms, common areas, secure entrance, roofing, and site improvements; and to remodel, repair, furnish, and equip the elementary building, including a secure entrance, roofing, and site improvements, including an accessible playground?

Question 13

When is election day?

Accepted Answer

The election will be held on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. The polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and polling locations can be found on the Iowa Secretary of State’s website.

Question 14

Can I cast an absentee ballot in this election?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Registered voters may request a mailed absentee ballot ahead of election day through their county auditor’s office. The first day voters can request a mailed absentee ballot is August 26. Ballots will be mailed starting October 15.

To receive a mailed absentee ballot, complete a request form and return it to your auditor’s office. The deadline to request a mailed ballot is October 20. Ballots must be received by your auditor’s office before the polls close on election day (November 4) to be considered for counting.

In-person absentee voting will be available at your county auditor’s office starting on October 15.  Voting will be available weekdays during regular business hours until November 3.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS