(KNZA)--The Hiawatha USD 415 School Board is continuing to explore facility improvements and a possible bond issue that could go before voters in March 2027.

About 50 people attended a community meeting Wednesday at the Hiawatha High School Auditorium, where representatives from Lighthouse Construction and HTK Architects presented findings from the district’s facilities master plan.

The elementary school was identified as having the greatest need for improvements.

Three bond options were presented, ranging from 25 to 35 million dollars.

The 25-million-dollar option would renovate the existing elementary school and add a gymnasium. A 30-million-dollar plan would involve a major expansion and renovation of the current building. The 35-million-dollar option would fund construction of a completely new elementary school west of the middle school.

All three options also include secure entry improvements at the middle and high schools, along with upgrades to the high school’s wood and agricultural shop areas.

Surveys conducted at Wednesday’s meeting and a previous meeting in April showed support for building a new elementary school. That preference was also reflected in a staff survey.

The district’s previous bond issue, approved in 2015, is scheduled to be paid off in 2028.

The district will continue gathering public input before the Board considers a possible bond resolution in December.