The Emmetsburg Community School District Board of Directors has unanimously accepted the additional petition signatures required under Iowa law, officially moving the $25 million general obligation bond issue for a new elementary school to the November 3, 2026, general election ballot.
The bond measure asks the E-Hawk community to fund a new 65,000-square-foot elementary school that would replace the aging West Elementary building, portions of which date to the 1950s. If approved, the new facility would be built on Kassel’s property, directly across from Iowa Lakes Community College.
“Our young students are spending their days learning in classrooms built over 70 years ago — a space that was designed for a different era of education, and one we’ve outgrown,” said Kyle Caven, President of the Emmetsburg Community School District Board of Directors. “Speaking on behalf of the Board, this proposal reflects years of planning, community feedback, and thoughtful refinement to meet the needs of Emmetsburg.”
Behind the petition drive were parents, grandparents, and neighbors who gave their time to gather signatures across the community — a reflection of how deeply the future of West Elementary touches this town. Many of today’s students walk the same halls their parents and grandparents once did, and for families across Emmetsburg, the outcome of this vote will help shape what school looks like for the next generation of E-Hawks.
For Jim Carpenter, custodian with the Emmetsburg Community School District, the issue is personal. Carpenter spent years maintaining West Elementary. “I spent a long time keeping this building running, and I can tell you there’s only so much you can do with a facility that old,” Carpenter said. “This isn’t about whether West Elementary served this town well — it did. It’s about giving the next generation of kids a building that works as hard for them as the people who’ve kept the old one going.”
Local business owners are also weighing in on what the bond means for the broader community. Lance Clark, owner of Invest in Emmetsburg, said a strong school district is central to the town’s long-term growth. “When people are deciding whether to move to a town or invest in one, the school district is one of the first things they look at,” Clark said. “A new elementary school isn’t just good for kids and families — it’s good for Emmetsburg’s future as a place people want to live, work, and do business.”
Community members can learn more about the proposed plan and tour the existing West Elementary facility to see the challenges firsthand at upcoming town hall meetings on:
- September 22 at 6 p.m.
- October 15 at 6 p.m.
“I’d encourage everyone in Emmetsburg to come to one of the town halls, walk through West Elementary, and see for themselves what we’re working with, ”said Cory Jenness, Superintendent of the Emmetsburg Community School District. “If your organization, business, and/or association would like us to come share the details of the 2026 bond and the proposed plan, just reach out to our administration office — we’re happy to come to you.”
Absentee Voting Information
Voters who wish to cast an absentee ballot for the November 3 election should note these statewide deadlines:
August 25, 2026 — First day to submit an absentee ballot request form.
October 14, 2026 — In-person absentee voting begins at the Palo Alto County Auditor’s Office, and mailed ballots begin going out.
October 19, 2026, 5:00 p.m. — Deadline for the Palo Alto County Auditor’s Office to receive absentee ballot request forms. This is also the voter registration deadline; those registering after this date can still do so in person with proof of ID and residency.
November 2, 2026 — Last day for in-person absentee voting at the County Auditor’s Office.
November 3, 2026, 8:00 p.m. — Election Day and deadline for completed absentee ballots to be received by the County Auditor’s Office (postmarks do not count).
Absentee ballot request forms and additional voting information are available through the Palo Alto County Auditor’s Office. Voters may also register to vote or update their registration at the polls on Election Day.
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3. Full details on the 2026 Emmetsburg Community School District bond referendum are available on the district website under Bond Referendum.