usd 419 bond
K.I.D.S. - Keep Improving District Schools
The bond story
The Canton-Galva School District is responsible for providing a safe and functional environment for educating our children. The Canton-Galva Schools continually authorize maintenance projects to keep our buildings functional and attractive, but because of budget and time limitations, there are needs for our buildings that can not be met with current resources.
In August 2023, a third-party firm completed a district-wide Facilities Assessment Report. A Facilities Steering Committee of community members, board members, and USD 419 staff began meeting in February 2024. Together, they reviewed the Facilities Assessment Report and began planning the most efficient way to improve the learning environments and opportunities for Canton-Galva USD 419 students.
The Board of Education has studied the work and recommendations of the Facilities Steering Committee and, with further refinement, has arrived at the following projects:
Junior/Senior High School: A new Vocational-Agricultural (Vo-Ag) Building, improved HVAC systems and controls, and track surface improvements that will be accessible to the community.
Elementary School: Roof replacement, additional parking, a new covered entrance for bus drop-off, and improved HVAC controls.
These projects will provide a safe and functional educational environment for our students and staff while maintaining a balance with the Board’s commitment to an affordable and fiscally responsible solution to address ongoing facility concerns and improvements.
Over the years, the district has worked diligently to address many facility needs internally, prioritizing maintenance and improvements within available resources. This bond campaign reflects the district’s commitment to not only addressing current facility needs but also investing in projects that will support the future growth and success of Canton-Galva students. While essential infrastructure improvements are a key part of the plan, the inclusion of new projects like a Vocational-Agricultural (Vo-Ag) building and a regulation track surface demonstrates our dedication to expanding opportunities for students and the community alike. However, to provide our students with the modern, safe, and efficient learning environments they deserve, it is now time to seek the community’s support. By investing in these improvements, we can ensure that our schools continue to be a source of pride and opportunity for our students and the entire community.
The KIDS Committee (Keep Improving District Schools), comprised of approximately 20 community members, board members, and USD 419 staff members, has scheduled several public meetings to present the Board’s proposal and answer questions. A bond election to authorize the issuance of bonds to fund the project is scheduled for April 22nd, 2025. Upon successful passage of a bond referendum, construction would begin after the final design documents are prepared and bids are received for the work.
bond election details
The bond proposal on the April 22nd ballot consists of the following question:
Shall Canton-Galva USD 419 be authorized to issue general obligation bonds not to exceed ($4,725,000) to pay the costs to:
Make improvements to the District Jr./Sr. High School in Canton including constructing, equipping and furnishing a new Vo-Ag building, exterior site improvements including sidewalks, parking lots, repairs to the existing building exterior envelope, repairs and/or replacement of the roof, replacement of HVAC equipment and controls, and installation of an improved track surface and associated site improvements;
Make improvements to the District Elementary School in Galva including upgrades to the mechanical system and equipment, repairs and/or replacement of the roof, replacement of HVAC equipment and controls, exterior site improvements including sidewalks, parking lots, and repairs to the building exterior envelope
Expanding Student Opportunities with a Vo-Ag Facility
The Challenge:
The current industrial arts shop/vocational-agricultural (Vo-Ag) classroom is housed in the former Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) space and is not equipped to meet the needs of Canton-Galva's growing Agricultural and FFA (Future Farmers of America) program. The space was not designed for hands-on agricultural instruction and equipment, raising safety concerns due to inadequate ventilation, crowded work areas, and outdated infrastructure. These limitations restrict access to modern Career and Technical Education (CTE) tools, reduce hands-on learning opportunities, and hinder the district’s ability to expand course offerings. As student participation continues to grow, space constraints and safety challenges make it increasingly difficult to meet demand.
The Opportunity:
A new Vo-Ag building offers the chance to create a purpose-built facility that supports agricultural education with modern infrastructure, improved safety measures, and space for program growth. Proper ventilation, designated work zones, and updated equipment will provide a safer learning environment while enhancing hands-on experiences. By including two classrooms and an open shop space, the district could add another teacher, expand its CTE offerings, and better prepare students for success in both vocational careers and higher education. The facility also presents an opportunity to attract additional enrollment from nearby schools, while freeing up the current FACS space to introduce new programs, ultimately broadening the available educational opportunities and making Canton-Galva a more complete and future-ready school.
NEW VO-AG BUILDING DESIGN CONCEPTS
Elementary School Safety & Functionality Improvements
The Challenge:
A large portion of the Elementary School roof is over 20 years old, has reached the end of its lifespan, and is at risk of not being covered under insurance. Additionally, there is limited parking and space available for student pick-up and drop-off and staff.
The Opportunity:
Roof replacement at the Elementary school will eliminate leaks, reduce maintenance costs, and protect the learning environment. New paving would be added in the Northwest corner of the school with additional parking spaces to enhance facility accessibility, assist with traffic flow, and improve safety. A covered entrance near the bus drop-off area will also help increase safety and provide shelter from the weather.
CURRENT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ROOF CONDITIONS
example of PROPOSED ROOF REPLACEMENT
Thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) roof with white membrane
CURRENT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BUS DROP-OFF AREA
PROPOSED COVERED ENTRY & new parking concept
HVAC System & Controls for Efficiency
The Challenge:
Since the old boiler/chiller system failed at the Junior/Senior High School, several classrooms have been without a permanent heat source. Our students and staff deserve better—learning environments should be safe, comfortable, and reliable. It's time for a lasting solution.
The Opportunity:
This bond would add permanent heating units and more efficient cooling to these classrooms at the Junior/Senior High School and provide indoor air quality improvements. Modernized systems and controls will also be installed at both the Jr/Sr High School and the Elementary School to help reduce energy consumption and operational costs while ensuring consistency in both buildings.
Track Improvements for Our Students & Community
The Challenge:
USD 419’s existing track is outdated and does not provide the safest or most effective training environment for students. Track and Field is the district’s most popular sport in terms of participation, yet student-athletes must train on a surface that does not meet competition standards and increases the risk of injury. Additionally, all students in grades 6-12 who participate in physical education classes lack access to a high-quality outdoor running surface for fitness and conditioning. Without a regulation track surface, the district is also unable to host home meets, missing opportunities to engage the community and generate revenue to support athletic programs.
The Opportunity:
The addition of an improved regulation track surface will benefit all students by providing a safe, high-quality surface for physical education classes, extracurricular training, and competitive athletics. Students participating in Track and Field will have a regulation facility to train on, allowing them to prepare more effectively for competition while reducing injury risks. The improved track will also give USD 419 the ability to host home meets, allowing our community to strengthen school spirit, foster community engagement, and create revenue opportunities for the district. Additionally, this investment could help the district qualify for state funding in the future if/when eligibility requirements are met. Beyond the school, the track improvements will serve as a valuable resource for the entire community, offering residents of all ages a safe and accessible space for exercise and wellness.
CURRENT TRACK
PROPOSED 6-lane TRACK SURFACE IMPROVEMENTS
Fiscal Responsibility
The Challenge:
A yes vote to this school bond will increase property tax on a $100,000 house by approximately $4.53 per month.
The Opportunity:
Patrons of the Canton-Galva School District can invest in our existing buildings with a relatively minimal tax increase. Even with this increase, Canton-Galva will remain at a competitive mill levy compared to other area schools.