Chad Janzen, SBL-CSD Superintendent
(SBA) SERGEANT BLUFF, Iowa — The Sergeant Bluff-Luton Community School District is preparing to take the next step in its long-term facility improvement plan with a new bond issue set to go before voters in November 2025. This election will focus solely on funding a new primary school building, an initiative shaped by strong community input and designed to directly respond to the priorities of district residents.
Following the November 2024 bond election — which garnered 55.5% support from voters — district leaders have taken time to reflect on the outcome, engage further with the community, and fine-tune their approach. According to Superintendent Chad Janzen, that election revealed more than just a majority vote, it highlighted a growing consensus within the community around the need to invest in modern educational facilities.
“You showed us that through our commitment to listening and meaningful engagement, our district is indeed moving in the right direction,” Janzen said in a public statement. “Your feedback has been clear and consistent, and we have listened.”
The district’s multi-phase facilities plan was crafted after extensive community consultation, and the first phase — the East Campus development — is nearing completion this summer. As construction crews finish the final touches on that project, the district is turning its attention to the next high-priority item, a new primary building.
The sole component of this election will be funding for a new primary building that will be connected to the existing elementary building. This focused approach ensures that district resources are concentrated where they are most needed, while also maintaining fiscal responsibility.
Unlike previous bond proposals that included multiple components, this year’s measure is streamlined and targeted. By narrowing the focus, district officials aim to meet the community’s highest priority without overextending taxpayer investment.
The proposed primary building would house early childhood education programs and create a more seamless academic transition for the district’s youngest learners. By connecting the new facility to the current elementary building, the district expects to achieve both educational and operational efficiencies — from shared staff and resources to enhanced curriculum continuity.
“Providing our youngest learners with the modern, safe, and engaging environment they deserve is not just a facility improvement — it’s an investment in our district’s future,” Janzen noted.
As the district prepares for the bond vote, residents will have ample opportunity to learn more about the project. Detailed architectural plans, budget projections, and design features of the proposed primary building will be released in the coming months. In addition, residents will be invited to sign a petition to officially place the measure on the November 2025 ballot.
Community meetings, presentations, and outreach events will be scheduled throughout the fall. The district’s Community Engagement Team will play a key role in ensuring that residents have access to clear, transparent information and an opportunity to provide ongoing feedback.
“We remain committed to the principles that have guided us: listening to our community, maintaining fiscal responsibility, and keeping student success at the center of everything we do,” Janzen emphasized.
District officials believe that the continued collaboration between school leaders and residents has laid a strong foundation for success in the November election. They view the proposed primary school as a natural extension of the work that has already begun with the East Campus and an essential next step toward meeting the needs of a growing and evolving student population.
“We look forward to continuing this important conversation with you in the weeks and months ahead,” Janzen said. “Together, we will build the facilities our students need to thrive.”
For more information about the bond measure, upcoming events, or how to get involved, residents are encouraged to visit the Sergeant Bluff-Luton CSD website or contact the district office directly.
