South Sioux City Bond Issue Logo

South Sioux City Community Schools Bond Proposal – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Election Date: May 13, 2025
On May 13, voters in the South Sioux City Community School District will decide on a proposed bond that will shape the future of our schools. Below is a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions about the plan, its financial impact, and the voting process. This FAQ will be updated as new information becomes available.

The Community-Created Cardinal Vision Plan

Q: What improvements are included in the bond proposal?
The community-created Cardinal Vision Plan is a long-term solution that addresses facility needs across the district. It focuses on relieving overcrowding, updating aging infrastructure, enhancing security and accessibility, and modernizing learning environments.
The plan includes:

  • New Schools:

    • A 5th–6th Grade Intermediate Center (official name TBD)

    • A new PreK Center to replace E.N. Swett

    • A new K–4 Elementary School to replace Covington and Lewis & Clark

  • Renovations & Additions:

    • Infrastructure upgrades at every school

    • Updates to Dakota City, Harney, Middle School, and Career Pathways spaces

    • Safety and security enhancements, including secure entrances

    • ADA accessibility improvements

    • Learning environment modernization

Q: Why is the district proposing a bond now?
Many of our buildings are aging—some over 100 years old—and enrollment is growing. Our last major facility upgrade was more than 25 years ago. Waiting longer will increase costs and compound problems. This bond allows us to proactively invest in our schools and community.

Q: How was the Cardinal Vision Plan developed?
The plan was created with extensive community input. SSC partnered with BCDM Architects to complete a comprehensive facility study, and hundreds of residents, staff, and students participated in surveys and workshops. The plan reflects both critical needs and community priorities.

Facilities, Safety, and Learning Environment

Q: How does this plan address overcrowding?
Half of SSC schools are already at capacity. By 2028, 75% are projected to be at or above capacity. The new Intermediate Center will move 5th and 6th grades out of elementary and middle schools, freeing up space across the system and improving student-teacher ratios.

Q: Why are E.N. Swett, Covington, and Lewis & Clark being replaced?
These buildings are among the oldest in the district, and renovating them would cost nearly as much as new construction—without solving many of the design limitations, safety concerns, or accessibility issues.

Q: What specific safety and security upgrades are planned?
All schools will receive secure vestibules to control visitor access. The plan also includes fire safety systems, improved emergency communication, surveillance systems, and other facility-based safety enhancements.

Q: How does the plan support students with disabilities?
All buildings will be updated to meet ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards, ensuring accessible learning environments for all students and visitors.

Q: Why do classrooms need updates?
Today’s educational methods emphasize technology, collaboration, and flexibility—needs that weren’t considered when many SSC classrooms were built. This bond will modernize instructional spaces to support student success in a 21st-century world.

Financial Questions

Q: What is the total cost of the bond proposal?
The proposed investment totals approximately $127 million and would support facility improvements district-wide.

Q: How much will this cost the average homeowner?
For a home valued at $200,000, the estimated tax impact would be approximately $1.31 per day or about $40 per month.

Q: What is the current bond debt in the district?
SSC has no existing bond debt. The previous bond, approved over 25 years ago, was fully paid off in 2024.

Q: Why can’t regular school funding cover these improvements?
The district’s General Fund is primarily used for daily operations and staff salaries (which account for about 80% of the budget). Only about $1.5 million annually is available for maintenance—far short of what is needed for major renovations or new construction.

Q: How will funds from the bond be managed?
The district has hired Boyd Jones as Construction Manager at Risk, a firm with extensive experience in educational facility projects. Competitive bidding, transparent reporting, and regular updates will ensure projects stay on time and on budget.

Q: Can bond funds be used for salaries or other district operations?
No. By law, bond proceeds can only be used for capital improvements—facilities, construction, renovations, and necessary equipment—not salaries or general operations.

Q: What happens if project costs rise due to inflation or market conditions?
Project planning includes built-in contingencies for expected cost increases. All construction partners will include escalation clauses, and budgets are designed to accommodate fluctuations over the multi-year timeline.

Q: If the bond is not approved, will taxes go down?
Not necessarily. While school-related taxes might be lower without the bond, total property taxes could still increase due to other local, county, or state-level factors beyond SSC’s control.

Election & Voting Information

Q: When is the election, and how do I vote?
Election Day is May 13, 2025, but this will be a mail-in/drop-off ballot election only. Ballots must be received by 5:00 p.m. on that day.

  • Drop-off location: 1601 Broadway St., Dakota City, NE (Southeast corner near the courthouse frontage road)

Q: When will ballots be mailed?
Ballots will be mailed between April 21 and May 2, 2025, per state statute. All ballots must be returned by 5:00 p.m. on May 13.

Q: What will the question on the ballot say?
The ballot language will follow state legal requirements. It will ask voters whether they approve issuing up to $127 million in general obligation bonds to fund facility upgrades, new construction, safety enhancements, and related improvements.

Q: Who can vote?
All registered voters living within the South Sioux City Community School District boundaries may vote.

Q: How do I register to vote?
Visit the Dakota County Election website or call the Election Commissioner’s Office at (402) 987-2129 to register by mail, online, or in person.

Q: How many votes are needed to pass the bond?
The bond requires a simple majority—50% plus 1 vote—to pass.

Q: Why is a community vote required?
State law requires voter approval for any school district to issue bonds. This ensures transparency and gives taxpayers a direct say in long-term investments.

Additional Information

Q: Where can I get more information or ask a question?

SSC is committed to open and honest communication throughout this process. We will continue updating this FAQ as new questions arise or additional details become available.