The upcoming special election for the Knoxville Community School District will be held on Tuesday, March 4th for a PPEL renewal and school board vacancy. 

The special election will have two questions, one for a continuation of a voter approved physical plant and equipment property (PPEL) tax levy and the other to fill a school board vacancy through 2027. The school board vacancy stems from the resignation of former board member Dave Smith. On December 30th, Jyl DeJong was appointed to fill the vacancy until the special election was held. The levy is a continuation of a previous levy that was already in place for the district that needs to be renewed every ten years.

PPEL provides the necessary funds to maintain and improve school buildings, complete site and facility improvements, and purchase transportation vehicles and technology equipment. The PPEL cannot be used for salaries, educational program materials, or curriculum. In 2015, voters approved the PPEL, and approved an increase in 2018. Initially, the district anticipated the term would expire in 2028, but in December 2024, the Iowa Department of Management clarified that it would end in 2025, despite the vote in 2018. To meet state requirements, the district scheduled the vote for March 4th, ensuring PPEL funding is included in the district budget they will submit by April 15th, as required. Knoxville School Business Manager Craig Mobley says this funding is vital for the district.

“I just think it’s important for people to know how vital this funding is from the operations standpoint of the school district. It will be a normal election so all of the regular polling locations will be open on March 4th so please go out and vote.”

Hear more about PPEL funding from Mobley on today’s Let’s Talk Knoxville.