South Hamilton Community School District is in the early planning stages of a potential new auxiliary gymnasium and invites community input as the process begins. The District has scheduled a public hearing for Monday, July 14 at 6:00 p.m. in the boardroom, to consider borrowing against future SAVE (Secure an Advanced Vision for Education) dollars to fund the project.
The current gym facilities are heavily used by grades 7–12 athletic programs and community youth sports. The proposed auxiliary gym would not serve as a competition venue, but as a flexible, practice-focused facility with space for one or two courts, depending on final design.
“This project is about expanding access,” said Superintendent Heather Holm. “Our student-athletes and youth programs need more time and space to develop. An auxiliary gym would help us meet those growing needs without increasing local property taxes.”
The District plans to fund the project through borrowing against future SAVE revenues, which are generated by an existing statewide one-cent sales tax dedicated to school infrastructure and technology. This is not a new tax and does not affect property taxes.
Recent completed upgrades across the District have created a solid foundation for future investments. These improvements include:
- New playground equipment
- Roof and window replacement at the elementary building
- Installation of new boilers at the elementary school
- Renovated baseball/softball concession stand
- Air conditioning in the elementary gym
- Upgraded athletic fields and fencing
- Improved stage lighting in performance areas
“These upgrades have put us in a position to look ahead,” Holm added. “We’re early in the conversation, with no designs or decisions made yet—but we want our community involved from the start.”
The public hearing will take place during the regularly scheduled board meeting on Monday, July 14, at the South Hamilton District Office, 315 Division Street, Jewell. Contact Board Secretary Lisa Ziesman at lisa_ziesman@s-hamilton.k12.ia.us if you would like to speak at the public hearing or to submit written comments.