Fairfield CSD Bond Referendum Not Approved by Voters

FAIRFIELD, IA — Preliminary results of the November 4 election show the general obligation bond referendum for the Fairfield Community School District fell short of the 60 percent approval required to pass.

Of the 3,642 votes cast in the election, 2,029 (55.7 percent) favored the $39.5 million bond measure, while 1,613 (44.2 percent) opposed. As a result, the district will not move forward with the proposed construction of a new middle school for students in grades 5-8.

“While we are certainly disappointed that the bond referendum did not receive voter approval, we respect the outcome and appreciate the community’s engagement in the process,” Superintendent Zach Wigle said. “The need to address the challenges at our middle school remains, and the board and administration are committed to exploring alternative solutions that are financially responsible and in the best interest of our students, staff, and community.”

Fairfield Middle School was originally constructed in 1966, and comprehensive building assessments completed by architects and engineers identified millions of dollars' worth of critical infrastructure problems and deficiencies, including areas of the school that do not comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  These will be addressed moving forward using SAVE dollars.