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 – In an update to a story that published last Friday addressing the possibility of both a Gladbrook-Reinbeck school bond referendum and a City of Reinbeck fire station bond appearing on the ballot together as part of this fall’s city/school election, Reinbeck Fire Chief Chris Heasley told the newspaper late Thursday (Aug. 28) evening that such a bond would not appear on the Nov. 2025 ballot as previously planned, citing high costs.

“We are reviewing all of our options,” he said in a text message exchange. “With the cost of a new building, we are looking at all available options.”

G-R bond updates

During G-R’s Aug. 28 regular 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:

SCHEMATIC COURTESY OF GLADBROOK-REINBECK SCHOOLS/FACEBOOK

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-Adding a secure entry and classroom addition to improve safety and replace outdated learning spaces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

Bonjour told the newspaper in an email this past Thursday, the fee structure is based on the total cost of the project.

“[The total cost] is currently $16.8 million and then SitelogIQ will get roughly 18% of this for all services including pre-bond campaign support, and then all post-bond services provided with architects, engineers, and project management. This would be identical to the type of plan that GMG is utilizing with SitelogIQ as well.”

Bonjour also said the $20,000 fee was “for additional pre-bond support to develop more resources for voters to access such as a fly through video and floor plans/marketing materials above what they typically provide.”

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.”