Atkins Elementary

The Benton Community School District Voter-Approved Physical Plant and Equipment Levy(VPPEL) Election will be held on Tuesday, March 5, 2024. ALL vote centers will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Any registered voter of Benton Community School District may vote. Voters who live in BENTON COUNTY may vote at ANY of the following places in this election: * Van Horne Community Center, 508 1st Avenue, Van Horne, IA * Newhall City Hall, 11 2nd Avenue, Newhall, IA * St. Michael’s Parish Center, 512 Evergreen St., Norway, IA * Atkins City Hall, 480 3rd Avenue, Atkins, IA * Keystone City Hall, 208 1st St., Keystone, IA * Blairstown City Hall, 305 Locust St., Blairstown, IA Voters who live in IOWA COUNTY may vote at the following location: * Middle Amana Fire Station, 2725 K St., Middle Amana, IA Voters who live in TAMA COUNTY may vote at the following location: * Elberon Community Center, 106 Main Street, Elberon, IA

#BeABobcat #APlaceToBelong

#BeABocat #APlaceToBelong

Funds generated from the VPPEL would be used to complete renovations to indoor learning environments. Examples of those renovations could include flooring, wall coverings, ceilings/lighting, electrical, ADA accessibility and more.

School will dismiss at 1:00 p.m. today, Wednesday, February 21. Also, there will be Parent/Teacher Conferences for grades 7-12 only from 2:30 - 7:30 p.m. #BeABobcat #APlaceToBelong

Why Benton? "I chose Benton because it is my home. I was born in the district, I live in the district, and my children go to Benton. Benton Community is the definition of family."

One of the priority areas identified to address with the funds from the VPPEL is safety and security enhancements in all attendance centers throughout the district.

HVAC updates in each building throughout the district is a priority area for the funds that would be generated by the VPPEL.

There is no school today, Monday, February 19th. It is a PK-12 Professional Development Day. #BeABobcat #APlaceToBelong

Benton Community has one of the lowest tax levy rates in Iowa. BC has the lowest rate within our immediate area. Even with a levy increase with the VPPEL, Benton Community would continue to have the lowest rate in the area.

Almost 85% of school districts in Iowa have a VPPEL in place to help pay for maintenance and improvements.

Teamwork is a core value at Benton. Early outs on Wednesdays provide our staff with time for collaboration. Increasing capacity in the area of writing and Universal Design for Learning were two of the focuses within our system today.

There are tax calculators that help estimate the impact of the VPPEL on your property tax. They take pieces like the state property roll-backs into consideration. Want to get an estimate for your property? Our team at Central Office can help with that! Benton CSD Central Office 319-228-8701, x-1503

School will dismiss at 1:00 p.m. today, Wednesday, February 14. #BeABobcat #APlaceToBelong

1700 voter & stakeholder survey responses led to the priority areas set by the board. 1. Safety & Security Enhancements 2. HVAC Updates 3. Indoor Renovations 4. Outdoor Renovations

School will dismiss at 1:00 p.m. today, Friday, February 9. #BeABobcat #APlaceToBelong

If you want to learn more about the VPPEL yourself or have information about the VPPEL shared with a group you're part of, you can reach out to our team at Central Office and we will arrange a time to meet or visit on the phone. Benton CSD Central Office 319-228-8701, ext-1503

"I grew up a Bobcat, moved away after college to start a family, and now we are Bobcats again! When you grow up here you take certain things for granted such as Homecoming, the Veterans Day program and the close knit community. Over the years the district has shifted, but one thing has always remained the same and that is the pride, love and support for the families that live here. That is why my family and I chose Benton."

Funds generated from the VPPEL would be used for renovations to outdoor areas at all attendance centers. Examples of those renovations could include tuckpoint work, landscaping, signage, playgrounds, doors, roof repair, and more.

Benton Retiree Luncheon Monday, February 19, 2024 Benton Community MS/HS 12:00-1:30 pm We had such a positive experience bringing people together in August, we'd like to do it again! Former staff will have the opportunity to connect with each other, connect with current staff, and hear Dr. Bieschke provide an update on the state of the district in a "Bobcat Pulse" conversation. This event is open to any former employee from Benton Community. Please RSVP on or before February 15 to Karen Lough at 319-228-8701 or klough@benton.k12.ia.us.