Please direct inquiries to:
Dr. Adam Magliari, Superintendent
217-653-0101
magliaria@mepoedu.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 15, 2025
Future Ready: Mediapolis School Board Approves Plan to Expand
Student Opportunity and Career Learning
MEDIAPOLIS, IOWA —Mediapolis Community School District is preparing to take the next step in preparing students for their future through a bond referendum scheduled for November 2025. At the core of this plan is a simple but powerful belief: every student deserves opportunity. With that goal in mind, the district has developed a future-ready facility plan designed to create real-world learning experiences, enhance campus safety and accessibility, and invest in the long-term vitality of the school and community.
Following two years of planning, a community-wide survey, strategic planning, and educational visioning, the Mediapolis Board of Education unanimously voted to move forward with the proposed plan. The result is a focused, fiscally responsible project that honors the past while building toward a stronger future for Mediapolis students and community partnerships.
"This is more than a building project—it's an investment in our students, our future, and the continued growth of Mediapolis,” said Dr. Adam Magliari, Superintendent of Mediapolis CSD. “Our plan was shaped by listening closely to our community and boldly focusing on what matters most for students—both now and for the years ahead."
Three Core Priorities Driving the Facility Plan
Creating Opportunities for Students – Future Ready!
The centerpiece of the project is the new 19,000-square-foot Career Center, adjacent to a 2,800-square-foot greenhouse, both of which will be constructed east of Northfield Street. Designed for expanded programming and flexibility to support careers that may not yet exist, the Career Center will empower students with hands-on experience in high-demand fields, including agriculture, industrial technology, computer science, and robotics. Spaces will be adaptable to meet both current needs and future programs, supporting a wide range of student interests and career paths.
Importantly, the Career Center will enable Mediapolis to expand its local partnerships with area businesses and industries, creating new internship and certification pathways that allow students to explore opportunities close to home—and even stay in the community after graduation. This aligns with the district’s long-standing commitment to serving as both an educational hub and an engine for local growth.
In addition to supporting new learning spaces, the relocation of these programs will open up approximately 9,000 square feet in the existing building. This space currently limits class sizes and poses safety concerns for students and staff. This available space relieves current space constraints, eliminates the need for outdoor storage containers, and improves both daily operations and the overall campus appearance.
Enhancing Safety, Security, and Accessibility
The bond proposal includes multiple improvements that directly address long-standing concerns about student safety and building access. Secure entry vestibules will be renovated at both the elementary and high school buildings, ensuring that all visitors are properly screened before entering the building. These controlled entries will help preserve a welcoming school atmosphere while prioritizing the safety of students and staff.
Outside, traffic flow and pedestrian safety will be improved through the reconfiguration of the student parking areas. These updates will create a dedicated staff parking area, enhance drainage and pavement conditions, and ease congestion during drop-off and pick-up. It will also improve the crosswalk area between the parking lot and the school.
The plan also includes a critical accessibility upgrade: the addition of ADA-accessible parking and an improved access route behind the building. This will serve both community members attending events in the auditorium and guests needing better access to the visiting side of the football field and track. These improvements will make campus events more inclusive and enjoyable for all members of the Bulldog community.
Strengthening Our School, Community, and Partnerships
Mediapolis CSD has always been more than a school — it’s a cornerstone of the community. This project strengthens that tradition by creating modern, accessible spaces that better serve not only students and families but also local businesses, civic groups, and organizations. The Career Center will open new opportunities for career exploration, workforce development programs, and business partnerships, ensuring that students graduate with skills that meet the evolving needs of our local economy. Updated, flexible facilities will also host community events and activities, reinforcing the school as a hub of activity, collaboration, and Bulldog pride for years to come.
“The board has been exploring ideas for Archer Field since the vacancy occurred in 2014. We have dedicated time to truly listening and engaging with our community about the future needs of our district, to ensure Mediapolis remains a source of opportunity, pride, and connection for generations to come," said John Witte, Board President. "The board believes this plan reflects the values and priorities of the future of the district, including being financially responsible.”
Responsible, Community-Centered Investment
The estimated total project cost is $8.55 million, covering construction of the Career Center, greenhouse, safety and security entry improvements, added accessibility features, site upgrades, and parking enhancements. The proposed tax rate increase is $1.64 per $1,000 of taxable residential property value. For a $200,000 assessed-value residential property, this equates to a $12.30 monthly increase. For agricultural land in Des Moines County, the average monthly rate is $0.18 per acre, and in Louisa County, it is $0.20 per acre.
Community Involvement and Next Steps
A General Obligation Bond election is proposed for November 4, 2025. Community members are currently gathering petition signatures to place the measure on the ballot. Any voting member of the community can also stop by the administration office at Mediapolis Schools to sign the petition. All residents are encouraged to learn more about the proposed improvement plan. Stay tuned for details on our upcoming informational meetings — updates will be shared on www.meposchools.org, the Mepo Schools app, and our Facebook page.