The Fort Dodge Community School District will host a community forum about the bond referendum later this fall.
The forum is scheduled for October 23, 2025 at 6:00 PM. It will be held in the Little Theater at Fort Dodge Senior High. Tours of the high school will be given following the forum.
The bond referendum vote will be on the November 4, 2025 ballot. Voters will be asked to reaffirm existing bond amounts, resulting in no net tax increase to property owners in the Fort Dodge Community School District.
The cost to build a new highschool was estimated at $120 million – more than the school’s $108 million permitted debt limit. According to the Iowa State Treasurer’s Office, the Fort Dodge Community School District reported nearly $25.5 million in outstanding obligations in 2024, and has been trending downward. The renewed bond would generate approximately $42.04 million to complete projects needed at Fort Dodge Senior High.
Proposed Fort Dodge Senior High projects include:
1: East and West Classrooms – $10.2M:
– Replace heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
– Update finishes (flooring, lighting, cabinetry).
– Customize classrooms to meet current special education needs.
2: Pool and Locker Rooms – $9.3M:
– Reconstruct the pool and install all new mechanical equipment.
– Replace HVAC system that is failing.
– Renovate locker rooms to meet current code and accessibility requirement
3: Update Building Systems – $3.9M:
– Replace 70 year old HVAC systems.
– Convert boilers and building systems from steam heat to water heat.
4: Main Entry Canopy – $1.3M:
– Create identified main entrance with improved safety and accessibility features.
5: Public Address and Safety System – $1.74M:
– Update emergency notification and security systems throughout the building.
6: Career & Technical Education (CTE) – $3.4M:
– Modernize CTE labs (formally known as shop) and update equipment to provide job-like experiences in the trades (woods, metals, small engine).
7: Fine Arts (Band, Orchestra, Vocal, and Little Theater) – $5.7M:
– Replace HVAC systems.
– Update finishes (flooring, lighting, cabinetry) and add storage.
– Improve acoustics.
– Build theater department scene and prep space.
8: Weight Room and Field Entrance – $6.5M:
– Build a new weight room and cardio equipment building.
– Add an indoor training lane.
– Provide restrooms for field access.
