Frequently Asked Questions
What are the district’s needs?
In the winter months of 2024, a comprehensive facility conditions assessment was completed for the Murray Community School District. The primary deficiencies noted in the facility assessment were related to the oldest structure owned by the district: the 1924, three-story original building. This three-story structure currently houses the majority of Murray’s junior and senior high school programming. The 1924 building held approximately 72% of all noted deficiencies throughout the district’s facilities but only accounts for 30% of the total area. The major contributing factors to the structure’s deficiencies are as follows: no ventilation air in occupied spaces, heating and cooling issues, significant accessibility compliancy problems, failing plaster ceilings causing student safety concerns, life and physical safety concerns, and exterior windows were also noted to be in poor condition and beyond typical expected life.
What is the proposed solution to address those needs?
Due to the large upfront cost to fully replacing the 1924 building, the facility committee decided that a phased approach would be in the best interest of the Murray community. This decision lowers the overall tax impact on the community and maintains the district’s commitment to fiscal responsibility. This bond proposal asks the community to partner with the district in phase one of this multi-phase masterplan which aims to move students out of classrooms on the 2nd and 3rd floor of the 1924 building by constructing an addition on the west side of the facility.
Was the community involved in creating this proposed solution?
A facility committee was assembled with the help of the district’s administration. The Murray Facility Committee comprised 11 members with a mix of board members, district staff, and district residents (not employed by the district). The facilities committee met a total of three times and analyzed 12 different concepts involving renovating and/or replacing the 1924 building. After learning that renovations would be more costly than building an addition, the facilities committee decided, unanimously, that moving students out of the building was the right decision for the district.
Why should we move forward with these improvements now?
The improvements included in this bond proposal respond directly to three core issues: accessibility constraints, safety and security gaps, and aging infrastructure. After a recent facility assessment, a facilities committee, comprising board members, key district staff, and community members, analyzed the data brought forth and collectively agreed that the district needed a plan that addressed the significant needs at the original 1924 building. This is why the facility committee and school board decided that a multiphase plan to ultimately phase out the 1924 building was in the best interest of the health and safety of the students and the most fiscally responsible solution for the district and community.
What is the total cost of the project and how is it being paid for?
Financial Plan
- Estimated total proposed project cost: $5.4M
- General Obligation Bond Funding: $2.7M
- S.A.V.E Funding (from school district): $2.7M
- Estimated Tax Impact: $0.14 / $1,000 taxable valuation
Will community members get to vote on the proposed solution to the district’s facilities needs?
Yes. Registered voters residing within Murray CSD may vote on the bond issue on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.
How much will this raise my taxes?
If approved by at least 60% of voters, the bond referendum would result in a property tax impact of an additional $0.14 per $1,000 of taxable property value.
What is the question that will appear on the ballot?
Shall the Board of Directors of the Murray Community School District in the Counties of Clarke, Decatur, and Union, State of Iowa, be authorized to contract indebtedness and issue General Obligation Bonds in an amount not to exceed $2,700,000 to provide funds to build, furnish and equip a classroom addition and to remodel, repair, improve, furnish and equip its existing school building, with related improvements?
How do I register to vote?
Eligible voters must complete a voter registration form . Additional information is available from the county auditors office.
Who can vote?
To vote in Iowa in 2025, you must be a U.S. Citizen, an Iowa resident, at least 18 yers old (or turning 18 by the election day), not a convicted felon unless your rights have been restored, and not be judged mentally incompetent to vote.
Do I need an ID to vote?
Yes. A valid ID is necessary in order to cast a ballot. More information is available on the Iowa Secretary of State’s website at https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/voterinformation/voteridfaq.html.
Can I cast an absentee ballot in this election?
- Yes. Registered voters can request a mailed absentee ballot beginning August 26. Ballots will be mailed starting October 15.
- To receive a mailed absentee ballot, complete a request form and return it to the auditor’s office. The deadline to request a mailed ballot is October 20. Ballots must be received by the auditor’s office before the polls close at 8:00 p.m. on election day to be considered for counting.
- In-person absentee voting begins on October 15 and can be completed at the county Auditor’s Office. This office is open weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
What time can I vote on Tuesday, November 4, 2025
Voters can vote at polls from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.
How can I get involved?
Contact: Tim Kuehl, Superintendent 641-447-2517 or email tkuehl@murraycsd.org