New CTE Spaces
Modernized Classrooms
Flexible Learning Environments
Performance & Competition Gymnasium
Athletics, Physical Education & Recreation
Concerts, Graduation & Events
Playground Improvements
Safer, Accessible Equipment
Traffic Safety and Parking Improvements
The proposed facility plan is guided by the School Board's goals for facilities, finances, and academics. The PCM School Board will:
Facilities: Provide all PCM students with safe, modern learning and activity spaces that meet industry standards, support instruction, and maximize student learning opportunities.
Finances: Manage district financial resources while providing the best possible education and opportunities for all students.
Academics: Strive to provide high-quality, innovative academic and career-focused programs for students of all abilities.
The proposed facility plan was developed through a long-term planning process that included input from students, staff, parents, and community members.
The School Board used community surveys and facility planning discussions to identify priorities, evaluate current and future facility needs, and explore ways to right-size district buildings. The goal was to make the best use of existing facilities while investing in improvements that have the greatest impact on student learning, educational opportunities, and the long-term success of the District.
Moving to a PK-6 and 7-12 grade configuration allows the District to better align its facilities with projected enrollment while creating new opportunities for students and making more efficient use of existing resources.
Key benefits include:
The chart below shows projected enrollment at PCM High School over the next eight years.
As projected enrollment continues to decline, the District has an opportunity to better align its facilities with future needs. A 7-12 grade configuration makes more efficient use of existing space while continuing to support strong academic programming and student opportunities.
Yes. Based on data from the Iowa Department of Education 96 Iowa school districts currently operate with a 7-12 model.
The average enrollment (grades 9-11) among these districts is approximately 288 students.
PCM’s Enrollment Projections
2025-26 (current)
250 students
2028-29
225 students
2031-32
219 students
2033-34
178 students
The proposed move to a 7-12 model allows PCM to better utilize existing facilities, align space with projected enrollment, and maintain opportunities for students while operating efficiently.
Yes. The proposed plan places 7th and 8th grade classrooms in their own designated area of the building, separate from the main high school classroom areas for most of the school day.
While middle school and high school students will share some common spaces and may interact during certain classes, activities, or throughout the school day, the overall design provides age-appropriate learning environments while supporting a smooth transition into high school.
Monroe Elementary was designed for younger elementary students and is not well suited to support a middle school program. Converting the building for 7th and 8th grade would require significant renovations while still limiting access to many of the educational opportunities available on the high school campus.
Locating 7th and 8th grade on the same campus as grades 9-12 provides students with direct access to science labs, Career and Technical Education (CTE) spaces, and other specialized learning environments. It also eliminates the need to transport students between campuses during the school day, allowing more time for learning and participation in school activities.
The proposed facility plan is designed to right-size the District's facilities based on current and projected enrollment while maintaining flexibility for future growth.
Moving 7th and 8th grade to the high school campus will open approximately 6–8 classrooms at the Prairie City campus, creating additional capacity if enrollment increases. As larger graduating classes move through the high school over the next several years, additional space will also become available.
The proposed project also includes three new classrooms and the repurposing of existing space to create four additional classrooms. Together, these improvements allow the District to use its facilities more efficiently today while maintaining the flexibility to accommodate future enrollment changes.
The proposed expansion of our Career and Technical Education (CTE) program will provide students with greater access to hands-on, career-focused learning across multiple skilled trades. The project includes dedicated spaces for agricultural equipment service, electrical and plumbing trades, and a significantly expanded welding lab with additional welding bays. A new flexible classroom will support instruction shared among the agriculture, automotive, metals, and woods programs, encouraging collaboration and efficient use of space. The addition of a dedicated finishing room with a properly ventilated paint booth will allow students to gain experience using industry-standard equipment and processes.
Overall, the CTE area will nearly double in size, increasing from 6,630 square feet to approximately 12,200 square feet. This expanded space will allow the district to grow programming, serve more students, and better prepare graduates for high-demand careers and postsecondary opportunities.
The proposed facility plan is designed to right-size the District’s facilities while creating learning environments that support a 7-12 grade model and provide flexibility for future needs.
Moving 7th and 8th grade students to the high school campus will allow the District to better utilize existing space, improve efficiency with staffing and resources, and bring grade levels together in a more sustainable configuration. The District has prioritized repurposing existing space whenever possible, including converting current areas to create additional classrooms and updated learning spaces. The proposed project includes three new classrooms and renovations to science labs and art spaces to support student learning.
A second gymnasium is also needed to effectively support a 7-12 campus. Additional gym space will improve scheduling for physical education, athletics, and activities by providing dedicated practice and activity space for middle school and high school students. The new gym will also serve as a flexible performance and community space, supporting band, choir, student events, and community activities.
These improvements allow PCM to make responsible use of its facilities today while continuing to provide opportunities for students and the community into the future.
The proposed performance gymnasium would have an approximate seating capacity of 1,200 seats. The space would provide additional flexibility for athletic events, student performances, and community activities.
Yes. Additional parking is being considered as part of the overall facility plan. The final location and design of any additional parking will be determined during the design process.
The current gym will continue to be used for activities, practices, Physical Education classes, and could also be used for community youth teams.
Adding a second gymnasium will allow PCM to better utilize both spaces by providing dedicated practice and event space for middle school and high school students. This additional flexibility would allow the District to host larger athletic event nights—such as JV and varsity doubleheaders—on campus, while reducing scheduling conflicts and improving opportunities for student-athletes and families.
The proposed parking plans are currently conceptual. As the project moves into the design phase, the District will evaluate traffic flow, site access, and parking needs to determine the best layout for the area, including whether an additional exit should be considered.
The District has heard community feedback regarding the need for additional parking and will continue to evaluate options that best support students, families, and community use of the facility.
The decision to close Monroe Elementary was made after reviewing enrollment trends, facility usage, and the cost of operating four separate buildings. Consolidating PK-2 students into the Prairie City building allowed the District to reduce operating expenses and save nearly $350,000 annually in general fund costs at a time when protecting resources for students was a priority.
The proposed facility plan represents the District’s next step in right-sizing its attendance centers to align with current and projected enrollment over the next 10–15 years. By moving 7th and 8th grade students to the high school campus, PCM can better utilize existing space, improve operational efficiency, and provide opportunities for students through a stronger 7-12 grade model.
In January 2026, the District approved the closure of Monroe Elementary for attendance beginning the 2026-27 school year. In June 2026, the District approved the sale of the Monroe Elementary building through a bid process.
The bid process will be from July 30, 2026 to August 31, 2026. Interested buyers can view the site by contacting Rusty Vos at 641-521-1204 from July 30-August 24.
The Board will review all bids and determine if bids are acceptable. If a bid is accepted, the District will notify the public. If a bid is selected, the District will follow the required process, including two public hearings, before a sale can be finalized.
The proposed facility plan is currently a conceptual model and is not finalized.
The District will continue engaging with the community and sharing updates as the planning process progresses to ensure the final plan best meets the needs of students, staff, and the community.
If the bond referendum is approved, design work would begin immediately with the goal of starting construction as early as spring 2027. Construction would be phased primarily during summer months when possible to minimize disruptions and maintain a safe learning environment for students and staff.
The District’s goal would be to complete the project and have the new and renovated spaces available for the start of the 2028-29 school year.
A General Obligation (G.O.) Bond is a way for a school district to finance major facility improvements over time. Similar to a home mortgage, the cost of the project is spread out over a number of years (typically 20) instead of being paid all at once. The debt is repaid through property taxes within the District.
This tax differs from the district’s operating tax levy, which is intended to cover day-to-day expenses such as staff salaries, classroom materials, transportation costs, and utilities.
“Shall the Board of Directors of the PCM Community School District in the Counties of Jasper, Polk, and Marion, State of Iowa, be authorized to contract indebtedness and issue General Obligation Bonds in an amount not to exceed $14,195,000 to provide funds to remodel, repair, improve, and equip the Monroe campus, including classroom and career and technical education spaces; to build, furnish, and equip an addition to the Monroe campus, including a multipurpose performance gymnasium, support spaces, and site improvements; and to improve the Prairie City campus site, including playgrounds and parking?”
The District worked with its financial advisor, Piper Sandler (who works with over 95% of Iowa districts), to evaluate the District’s current debt capacity, projected financial position, and potential tax impact. Based on this analysis, the District determined that a General Obligation (G.O.) bond amount of $14,195,000 could be supported with an estimated debt service levy rate of $2.70 per $1,000 of taxable property value.
The proposed project will be funded through a combination of General Obligation (G.O.) bonds and existing District funding sources. Approximately $14,195,000 would be funded through a G.O. bond, which is repaid through property taxes within the District.
The District also plans to utilize available SAVE (Secure an Advanced Vision for Education) funds and PPEL (Physical Plant and Equipment Levy) funds, with up to $10,750,000 in SAVE funds and up to $4,210,000 in PPEL funds dedicated toward eligible facility improvements, technology, and equipment needs.
Yes. Many Iowa school districts have passed General Obligation (G.O.) bond referendums in recent years to address facility needs, improve learning environments, and support future student opportunities.
Recent G.O. bond approvals include:
2025
Southeast Polk, Des Moines, West Des Moines, Dallas Center-Grimes, Ankeny, West Marshall, East Marshall, Montezuma
2024
Martensdale St. Mary’s, Marshalltown, GMG
2023
Bondurant-Farrar, Van Meter, ADM-Adel, North Polk, Waukee, Woodward-Granger
2022
Indianola, Roland-Story
2021
Pella, Melcher-Dallas
2020
Norwalk, Knoxville, North Polk, Collins-Maxwell
The funding sources available for facility improvements cannot legally be used for general operating expenses such as staff salaries, curriculum, transportation fuel, or building operating costs.
School districts have separate funding sources with specific requirements. The General Fund supports day-to-day operations, including staffing and educational programming. Facility-related funding sources, including General Obligation (G.O.) bonds, SAVE funds, and PPEL funds, are designated for capital improvements, technology, equipment, and facility needs.
School facilities are closely tied to a community’s economic vitality. As districts around us continue to improve their facilities and communities look toward the future, our school facilities will play an important role in the long-term viability and success of the PCM community.
You may not have children currently attending schools in our District, but chances are you attended a school as a student. You benefited because previous generations understood that strong schools are an investment shared by the entire community. We collectively support public facilities like schools because they contribute to our shared well-being and help create opportunities for future generations.
Investing in schools is an investment in the overall strength, stability, and long-term success of the PCM community.
In addition, schools serve as important community assets. District facilities are used for events, activities, and partnerships that benefit residents of all ages.
The District has hired a Construction Manager to help oversee the bidding process and qualify contractors interested in working on the project. The Construction Manager will also reach out to local contractors to ensure they are aware of the opportunity and have the ability to participate in the bidding process.
A thorough qualification process helps ensure the District selects experienced contractors who can successfully complete the work while protecting the investment being made in the community.
The District has hired a Construction Manager to help manage project costs throughout the planning and construction process. During design, the Construction Manager will work closely with the Architects to provide ongoing budget feedback and help ensure the project aligns with the District’s financial goals.
Before construction begins, the District will establish a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) with the Construction Manager. This agreement provides greater cost certainty and helps protect the District from unexpected cost increases while maintaining accountability throughout the project.
In addition to the homestead tax credit, eligible claimants who are 65 years of age or older on or before January 1 of the assessment year are now eligible for an additional homestead tax exemption of $6,500 of taxable value.
Contact your County Assessor’s office for more information:
