Voters Weigh $1.7 Billion in School Bond Proposals

Voters in the George-Little Rock Community School District in Iowa will decide whether to approve up to $14.95 million in bonds for classroom additions, building and facility upgrades, and other improvements; the full project is estimated to cost about $17 million, with school sales tax revenue covering the balance. Dearborn Public Schools is seeking a $1.5 billion bond to replace six schools, renovate its three high schools, and fund buses and other improvements, saying tax offsets would keep the combined city and school-district rate unchanged. In South Carolina, Spartanburg District Two voters will consider up to $156.6 million for a new K-8 school and elementary classroom additions, with no property-tax increase, and a separate $30 million measure for improvements across 14 schools that would raise taxes by five mills. The Spartanburg measure for districtwide upgrades can pass only if voters also approve the first question; supporters cite crowding and safety and accessibility concerns at school facilities.