An approved voted Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL) on November 4 would allow the Riverside Community School District to make significant progress on the needs identified in a recent Facilities Assessment Report.
A voted PPEL is a voter-approved levy that generates funds schools may use for infrastructure and equipment repairs, purchases, and improvements. Funds may be used only for these purposes and cannot be spent on salaries or instructional programming.
District leaders would target PPEL funds toward the most pressing needs across school buildings, including Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility improvements, life safety measures, fire alarm systems, and safety and security updates. Funds would also go toward replacing mechanical and HVAC systems currently near the end of their useful lives, as well as making electrical upgrades to get up to code in elementary classrooms.
“A voted PPEL is a critical funding tool that helps more than 85 percent of Iowa school districts improve and maintain their facilities while ensuring safety and security throughout their schools,” said Superintendent Dr. Stephanie Anderson. “We believe this is a sensible solution that will provide our school facilities with the resources they need.”
If the voted PPEL is approved by a majority of voters, the levy would be in place through 2036 at a rate of $1.34 per $1,000 of assessed property value. This would mean an increase of about $120.61 per year (or $10.05 per month) on a residential home with an assessed value of $200,000.
The 2024 Facilities Assessment Report detailed the most urgent priorities at each school building. Details, including video from a community presentation, can be found at
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