Dear Editor:

On Tuesday, March 3, residents of the South Tama County Community School District will vote on a proposed plan to build a new middle school. If approved, the district would replace the current school, which was built in 1915 and is reaching the end of its useful life.

In addition to lacking modern security components, the 104-year-old middle school does not allow for student collaboration, lab spaces, structural adaptability and other spaces that are critical for 21st century learning. The new school would be built on a shared site, adjacent to the high school.

If voters approve all three questions on the ballot, the plan would move forward without raisingthe school district’s portion of the property tax levy. The Board of Education took a creative approach to make this happen, using state sales tax revenues to essentially “buy down” any potential property tax impact of the project. More information on how this would work is available at www.southtamabond.org .

As members of the Partners in Education, we are in support of the South Tama CCSD plan to build a much-needed middle school for our students. We will continue to work hard to help the community move forward and ensure a bright future for our local schools.

Partners in Education

Independent Insurance Services

MercyCare Tama

Pinnacle Bank

Ross Street Roasting Co.

State Bank of Toledo