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Special school election next month in east Mills County

News

January 6th, 2015 by Ric Hanson

A special election is coming up in a month for residents of eastern Mills County. The Daily NonPareil reports the East Mills Community School District will ask voters, for the second time, to approve an expansion to its physical plant and equipment levy. A vacancy will also be filled for the East Mills school board.

Residents of Malvern and Hastings will be asked to raise the board-approved levy of 33 cents per $1,000 taxable valuation to a total of $1.34, which will be collected through a combination of property taxes and income-tax surcharges.

The levy would generate nearly $4 million in additional funding for infrastructure projects. Superintendent Paul Croghan said the district is now identifying two specific projects on the ballot: reroofing its high school building and completing a geothermal heating system at its elementary building. Croghan said passing the PPEL is part of the district’s long-term plans, he said. The money would also cover other costs, such as school buses and technology improvements.

Brad Williams’ seat on the school board will also be filled during the Feb. 2 election. Those interested in filling the remainder of the term can apply through the Iowa Secretary of State’s Office or through the school district’s office.

Petitions must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Jan. 9, Croghan said. More information is available at emschools.org.