Vote September 8th - PPEL: Renewal

  PHYSICAL PLANT AND EQUIPMENT LEVY RENEWAL

VOTE ON September 8, 2026

On September 8, Shenandoah voters will consider renewing the district's Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL). This is not a new tax and would allow the district to continue funding facility maintenance, transportation, security, and technology needs.  

 More PPEL Information

The election for the renewal of the Shenandoah CSD voter approved Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL) will be held on September 8, 2026 from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The following is a list of frequently asked questions about the levy.

What is the Physical Plant & Equipment Levy (PPEL)?

The Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL) is a voter-approved levy that serves as one of the primary revenue sources for funding school infrastructure and equipment repairs, purchases, and improvements.

How does the passage of the PPEL affect me?

PPEL is NOT A NEW TAX for the Shenandoah Community School District, the renewal of this levy does not increase your property taxes. It authorizes the district to continue to use the voter-approved rate that has been in effect for many years so that we may continue to use the funding in our maintenance and upgrades plan.

Can the PPEL fund be used to offset shortages in the district’s general fund or used to pay staff salaries?

No, the PPEL revenues cannot be used for salaries, textbooks, or new educational programs. The requirements for the use of the PPEL funds are very specific in nature and are limited by what is outlined in Iowa Code. 

What are some examples of how the PPEL fund has been used?

PPEL funds have been used for technology hardware and infrastructure; purchasing school transportation vehicles including buses and vans; maintaining and improving school grounds; building maintenance such as carpet, windows, concrete, and shop equipment.

What are some examples of how the PPEL fund will be used in the future?

PPEL funds will be used for continued HVAC upgrades at the K-8 and High School buildings, parking lot and sidewalk repairs, floor replacements in the High School and K-8 building, bleacher replacement in the High School gym, internal door lock upgrades in all buildings, bus and district vehicle replacements, computer replacements, and digital classroom displays.

What is the difference between the Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL) and the State One Cent Sales and Service Tax Fund?

For Shenandoah Community School District, PPEL funds are used predominately for maintenance, vehicle, and technology purchases; and the State One Cent Sales Tax is used for the district’s revenue bond payments.

 Why a special election?

State law requires a vote to renew this levy every 10 years.

PPEL was established in Iowa, in the early 1990s. Shenandoah first voted in-favor in 1998 and has since renewed twice with the last being in 2017 with 81% approval.

 

 

Welcome Back Mustang Families and Friends!

It has been a great summer, but I am more than ready for the school year to begin.

I enjoy the summer break for several reasons, but one of my favorite things at this time of year is seeing the campus begin to fill with staff who are intentionally working to design their classrooms to maximize student learning and seeing them reconnect with their colleagues. It is even more rewarding to see students start flooding the campus as activities and athletic seasons begin. The energy, excitement, and sense of community that return with the start is very motivational.

This summer, we spent time improving several aspects of our communication with students, staff, and families by implementing a new communication platform, ParentSquare. The app allows you to receive and view messages from the school while giving you control over how and when you receive them, either instantly or in a daily digest delivered at the end of the day. The app will also update district-owned social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Please keep in mind, we do not post official school communications on other social media sites, so if you want accurate information about school, you will want to use the ParentSquare app. Your invitation to join ParentSquare has been sent to your email.

We also unveiled a new website this summer. While the web address remains the same, I think you will be pleasantly surprised by its new look and improved design. The site is much easier to navigate, making it simpler to find the information need.

Next week, our staff will participate in professional learning sessions while preparing for students to begin classes on August 24. I am especially pleased to welcome Dr. Kindra Weston and four members of her team on Monday morning as they share their expertise with our staff through a presentation and panel discussion. This opportunity to learn from experienced mental health professionals will provide valuable insights as we begin the new school year together. I greatly appreciate their willingness to support, encourage, and inspire our staff as we continue our commitment to meeting the needs of every student.

Open House is scheduled for August 20 at 5:00 p.m. at each of our schools. I would like to extend a personal invitation for you and your family to attend this event and connect with the teachers and staff who will be working with your children throughout the school year. We also have several new team members joining our district, and I am excited for you to have the opportunity to meet them. Attending the Open House is a positive way to build relationships and become familiar with the people who will be working with your children.

I am excited about the start of the school year and hope you will take the opportunity to connect with our staff at Open House. I look forward to seeing all that we can accomplish together in the months ahead. I am confident it will be a successful year.