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.
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
"I chose to teach at Benton because I knew it was the best fit for me and my family. After 19 years I wouldn’t change the amazing co-workers and students that I get to work with each day. I also have had the privilege of watching my two sons earn their education at Benton Community."
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.
"I chose Benton Community because my family lives in this district, my kids had started attending Benton Community, and my wife had accepted a teaching position at Norway."
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.
School will dismiss at 1:00 p.m. today, Wednesday, February 14.
#BeABobcat
#APlaceToBelong
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
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
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.
Join KCRG-TV9 and the First Alert Storm Team for our 2nd ever "Weather Academy: Extra Credit" event on Wednesday, April 3 from 4:00 pm to 6:30 p.m. at Benton High School.
This extension of the First Alert Storm Team’s Weather Academy visits aims to bring the excitement and fun of weather and science to communities all across the TV9 viewing area.
Beginning at 4:00pm, everyone is welcome to come explore emergency vehicles, meet local first responders, take part in hands-on activities, test their WeatherWise knowledge, and meet some of the TV9 team. This all leads up to a LIVE weather science showcase with fun experiments from the First Alert Storm Team.
Join us at Benton Community High School starting at 4 pm on April 3rd. The event is free and open to the public, you do not need to be a Benton Community family to attend.
What is your favorite thing about being a bobcat? Alex shares, "The adults and students I get to work with make my job enjoyable. Seeing students strive for success is one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever experienced, and I see this happening at Benton every day."
