Phase 1 of Upgrades at Charles City High School to be Completed in Time for School Start

In the wake of last November’s failed $30 million bond referendum, Charles City School officials continue moving forward towards significant upgrades for the High School, built over 65 years ago.

In March 2025, the School Board approved the issuance of $4 million in School Infrastructure Sales, Services and Use Tax Revenue Bonds for Phase 1 of construction, which Superintendent Brian Burnight says has been ongoing throughout the summer.

Burnight says he’s optimistic Phase 1 will be completed in time for classes to resume later this month. Phase 2 is anticipated to begin next summer. 

Burnight says breaking the improvements and upgrades up means extending the overall work out to 2029.

Last week, the School Board approved UMB Bank of West Des Moines to serve as the bonding agent for another $3 million in SAVE bonds to finance Phase 2 of construction, with another $12 million in state SAVE bonds also planned to finance those future upgrades.