The Alta‑Aurelia School Board will face important financial decisions in January as construction of the district’s new athletic performance complex reaches the halfway point.
Last winter, the board bonded against future Secure an Advanced Vision for Education, or SAVE, revenues—funds generated by Iowa’s one‑cent sales tax—for $8.25 million. That money was intended to cover the projected cost of the new facility. But when bids came in last spring, the low bid was $5.1 million, not including finishing costs. That leaves the district with more than $2.5 million in projected proceeds still available.
In a press release posted to the Alta-Aurelia Warriors Facebook page earlier this month, Superintendent Denny Olhausen says the district is committed to being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars while making facilities a source of community pride.
Olhausen says financial advisors have outlined two main paths: spend the surplus on other district needs that qualify under SAVE guidelines, or invest the money and pay down the bond early, likely in 2031. A combination of both is also possible.
If the board chooses to spend, priorities could include building and playground upgrades, classroom technology, infrastructure, and transportation.
Olhausen has also asked board members to consider shifting football games and possibly track meets to Aurelia. He noted that bleacher seating, locker room access, and storm shelter facilities are stronger there, and unlike Alta’s field—which belongs to the city—the Aurelia field is district‑owned. That makes it more appropriate, he says, to invest taxpayer dollars on district property.
Both sites have parking concerns, but Aurelia offers room for a new lot. Olhausen also pointed out that gate management and student supervision are more practical in Aurelia, while Alta’s press box remains larger.
The board will weigh these options at its next meeting, scheduled for 6 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 12, in Aurelia.
