Frequently asked questions
The KCSD School Board created a task force of 18 community members to provide a recommendation to the board regarding the best option for improving the learning environment for our students currently at Northstar Elementary. The task force presented its recommendation to the board on May 12, 2025.
The task force had considered the following three options:
Completely renovate the current building
Build a new building at the VA District
Construct a new building at the current Northstar location, then demolish the old building
The final recommendation was Option 2: Build a new building at the VA District and then sell the current building.
The task force reviewed a thorough facilities assessment that had been completed by Boyd Jones and Alvine Engineering in 2024. The assessment indicates that the repairs to the building would be almost as costly as a new building with a shorter life expectancy than a new building.
When taking this into consideration, the task force recommended a new building as the best use of taxpayer dollars.
KCSD has invested more than $527,000 since 2019 for basic maintenance and projects at Northstar Elementary.
As the building ages, it becomes more costly to maintain, and some systems necessary for operating a public school are difficult to replace, as the cost and scope would require the entire building to be brought up to current safety codes. The question becomes: "Is the cost of maintenance a reasonable investment, or would it make more sense to invest in a new building that is more efficient?"
Yes. Registered voters who reside in the district will be able to consider the school bond referendum on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.
The bond issue must receive at least 60% voter approval to pass.
An approved bond would provide $12.4 million, which would cover approximately one-third of the cost to construct a new elementary school. The remaining two-thirds would be funded with revenue bonds by borrowing against future state sales tax revenue the district receives from the Secure an Advanced Vision for Education fund, also known as SAVE.
A new elementary school would be constructed on undeveloped property located within the Veterans District.
The City of Knoxville and Marion County have partnered to develop the 152-acre site. Current plans include several residential neighborhoods being established in the next 20 years.
With a successful bond vote, the design phase would occur in 2026. Project bidding and the start of construction would occur in 2027, and the new school would potentially open in late 2028.
The specific timing would be a collaborative effort between the district and the City of Knoxville as development continues in the Veterans District.
The construction industry has formulas to determine the cost per square footage specifically for school buildings in our region. The estimate of the middle school project was accurate, and the elementary school estimate includes an average inflation rate.
That’s a great question! KCSD is open to ideas and interested in getting community input.
Should we keep the name Northstar Elementary? Should we honor the VA District and create something related to the new development? Should we consider something more neutral? This will be one of the design phase topics if the November referendum passes.
Northstar would not be demolished by the school district. Current plans are for the property to be sold, allowing the building to continue serving the Knoxville community in a new manner, such as senior or multi-family housing.
The target size for the new school would be approximately 74,000 square feet. The current Northstar Elementary is 45,000 square feet. One of the primary reasons for the difference is the addition of a gymnasium, which the current school does not have.
No, the building has not been designed due to the cost associated with the task. If the November vote is successful, the design process will begin and will include several opportunities for staff and community members to provide input during different stages of development.
Yes. Our plans are for the gymnasium to be accessible for community members outside of normal school hours. It would feature a wood floor and bleacher seating, and it would be capable of hosting youth tournaments and events.
Yes, K-5 students will be able to ride the bus to the new building. KCSD would love to also include middle and high school students; however, two more bus drivers are needed to make this a reality. If you are interested, please contact the Director of Transportation.
No. The city has protocols for engaging traffic studies and is aware that there may be a need as the development progresses. Traffic is an item that has been and will continue to be a focus point and collaborative effort between the school and the city.
Yes. The new building will have access to the Knoxville Trail, which the city continues to expand.
When the concept plan for the Veterans District was created, it incorporated spaces for parks, housing, commercial property, and the school in locations where the experts felt they were best suited. The land designated for the school is optimal due to the flat terrain, easy access to main thoroughfares, only having housing neighbors on one side, and only having road access on one side from a safety perspective. It will also be close to the sports complex, park, and trail system.
The goal of the School Board and administration is to have the proposed bond issue be tax-neutral, which is possible based on current expectations and financial projections. However, the maximum possible tax impact would be $0.43 per $1,000 of taxable property value.
More information is available in the Tax Impact section.
KCSD’s levy rate compared to school districts throughout Iowa with similar enrollment:
Ballard: $19.00
Marion: $17.96
Perry: $18.58
Gilbert: $17.99
Knoxville: $16.90
Washington: $16.23
Keokuk: $15.87
Winterset: $15.68
Vinton-Shellsburg: $15.20
KCSD’s levy rate compared to neighboring districts:
Carlisle: $17.92
Indianola: $17.69
Melcher-Dallas: $17.17
Knoxville: $16.90
Pella: $14.96
PCM: $14.56
Pleasantville: $14.50
Voters will see the following question on the ballot on Tuesday, November 4, 2025:
Shall the Board of Directors of the Knoxville Community School District, in the County of Marion, State of Iowa, be authorized to contract indebtedness and issue General Obligation Bonds in an amount not to exceed $12,400,000 to provide funds to build, furnish, and equip a new elementary building on the Veterans District site and improve the site?
The election will be held on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. The polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and polling locations can be found on the Iowa Secretary of State’s website. A valid ID is required to vote.
Eligible voters must complete a voter registration form and return it to the Marion County Auditor’s Office before election day.
Yes. Registered voters may request a mailed absentee ballot ahead of election day through the Marion County Auditor’s Office. The first day that voters can request a mailed ballot is August 26.
To receive a mailed absentee ballot, complete a request form and return it to the auditor’s office located inside the Marion County Courthouse at 214 E. Main St., Knoxville. Ballots will be mailed starting October 15. The deadline to request a mailed ballot is October 20.
All ballots must be received by the auditor’s office before the polls close on election day (November 4) to be considered for counting.
In-person absentee voting will be available beginning on October 15 at the county auditor’s office. This will be available weekdays during regular business hours until November 3.
