ANKENY, IOWA - Voters are being asked to approve a new elementary school in Ankeny.
The Ankeny Board of Education is asking for an $18-million dollar bond referendum to build an 11th elementary school in the Prairie Trail development to the west of South Ankeny Boulevard. The bond is not expected to raise taxes.
Ankeny Community Schools Superintendent Dr. Bruce Kimpston tells WHO Channel 13 that the new elementary school will help with its growing community and reduce overcrowding.
Schools over capacity for the 2017-2018 school year include: Ashland Ridge, Crocker, Southeast and Westwood Elementary.
“The next 10 to 12 years we need to add an elementary and have it open in 2020. We also need to the very next year add to both high schools to build them out to 18,068 students. We need to add another elementary that very next year,” Kimpston said.
The proposed five-section elementary school building would house 750 students in grades kindergarten through fifth.
If passed, the new elementary school would change boundary lines.
Voting on the $18 million bond referendum will be held February 6. Click here for more information.