2026 Bond Referendum

On November 3, 2026 Lone Tree Community School District is asking voters to consider a bond referendum that will replace aging heating and cooling equipment with a modern geothermal system, improving comfort for students and staff while keeping the property tax rate the same as it is today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Shared Operations Director Mike Klinkkamer and Director of Buildings & Grounds Scott Feldman explain the current condition of the district's HVAC and mechanical systems and how the proposed 2026 Bond Referendum would address these needs.

Learn More About the Proposed Bond Referendum

This fact sheet provides an overview of the proposed bond referendum and the district's long-term facilities plan. It explains why the project is needed, what improvements are proposed, how the project would be funded, and what it means for taxpayers. It also outlines the planning process, project timeline, and the potential outcomes if the bond is approved or not approved.

Whether you're just beginning to learn about the proposal or looking for specific information, this fact sheet serves as a helpful reference for understanding the district's recommendations.

Upcoming Information Sessions

The Lone Tree Community School District will host two Bond Information Sessions in the school library, where community members can learn more about the proposed geothermal project, ask questions, and review project information.

Wednesday, September 30
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Tuesday, October 20
Session 1 at 5:30 PM
Session 2 at 6:15 PM

Community Session on Sept 30

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our first Bond Referendum Community Information Session. We appreciate community members taking the time to learn more about the district’s existing heating and cooling systems, the proposed geothermal project, project costs and financing, and the upcoming bond referendum.

We also appreciate the thoughtful questions and conversations throughout the evening. Providing opportunities for our community to learn about the proposal and ask questions is an important part of this process.

View the Presentation Here

Ballot Language

Shall the Board of Directors of the Lone Tree Community School District in the Counties of Johnson and Louisa, State of Iowa, be authorized to contract indebtedness and issue General Obligation Bonds in an amount not to exceed $6,900,000 to provide funds to remodel, repair, and improve the school building for energy efficiency, including HVAC, mechanical, electrical, and site improvements?

Election Day is November 3, 2026.

Johnson County: Find Your Polling Place

Louisa County: Find Your Polling Place

Washington County: Find Your Polling Place

The Next Step in Our Facilities Plan

Lone Tree Community School District has followed a careful, long-term plan to maintain and improve its facilities. With the Wellness Center bond nearing completion, the district is ready to take the next step: replacing aging heating and cooling systems with a modern, energy-saving geothermal system — without raising property taxes.

Existing Systems Have Served the School for Decades

The school’s primary boilers were installed in 1960 and 1971, while many classrooms rely on window air conditioners and mini-split units.
An existing geothermal system has reliably served portions of the building since 2002

The Project Modernizes Heating & Cooling

The proposal would replace aging equipment and expand the existing geothermal system to provide building-wide heating and cooling through a centralized system.

The Tax Rate Would Remain the Same

Because the Wellness Center bond is nearing completion, the district can finance this project without increasing the current school debt levy tax rate.
Responsible debt management made this possible.

By the Numbers
Total Project Cost	$6,900,000
Proposed Property Tax Rate	$12.78 per $1,000 assessed value (projection)
Tax Impact	No increase – same rate as today.
Federal IRA Tax Credits	Up to 30% of eligible costs (estimated $2 million)

Planned Around Student Learning

Construction is scheduled in phases to minimize disruption to students and staff, keeping classrooms open and learning on track throughout the project.

“This project matters now for Lone Tree because our current HVAC system is nearly 70 years old and no longer meets the long-term needs of our building. Replacing the system will help ensure our students and staff have reliable heat during Iowa winters and dependable air conditioning during the hot early fall months. In addition to improving comfort and learning conditions, the new system will be significantly more energy efficient, helping reduce operational costs for the District well into the future.”
-- Tyler Hotz, Superintendent

What Happens if the Bond Passes?	What Happens if the Bond Does Not Pass?
Aging boilers and window units are replaced with a reliable, efficient geothermal system Students, teachers, and staff gain consistent comfort year-round The district locks in more than $2 million in federal tax credits Long-term energy costs decrease, freeing budget for instruction The district’s facilities plan stays on track — on budget	Boilers from 1960 and 1971 remain in service, with increasing risk of failure and rising maintenance costs Over $2 million in federal tax credits are forfeited permanently Future replacement will cost more and may require a higher property tax rate The district falls behind its own long-term facilities plan