West Burlington’s schools are the heart of our community, shaping the minds of our children and contributing to the overall strength of our town. Ensuring our students have the resources they need to thrive is a responsibility we all share. That’s why the upcoming March 2025 vote to renew the Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL) is so crucial. This is not a new tax; it’s a renewal of an existing funding source that will not increase property taxes.
The PPEL, pronounced “pepple,” is a dedicated funding stream specifically for maintaining and improving our school facilities, equipment, and technology. It’s a vital tool that allows the West Burlington Independent School District (WBISD) to address critical needs without impacting funding for teachers or student programs. This levy has been in place since 2017, providing approximately $2 million for essential projects.
What has the PPEL accomplished for our students and community? Over the past seven years, PPEL funds have been instrumental in:
Modernizing our kitchens: From remodeling the elementary kitchen to upgrading the junior/senior high kitchen, these improvements ensure our students have access to healthy meals in updated facilities.
Creating safe and engaging play spaces: The replacement of the 20-year-old elementary playground equipment with a new, safer, and more engaging space demonstrates a commitment to our youngest learners.
Updating essential facilities: From locker room renovations at the junior/senior high to remodeling the preschool building and converting classrooms to better serve career and technical education (CTE) programs, the PPEL has addressed critical infrastructure needs.
Improving student transportation: The purchase of a new, air-conditioned 77-passenger school bus ensures safe and comfortable transportation for our students.
Enhancing safety and security: The replacement of old and unsafe portable football/track bleachers with permanent structures underscores the district’s commitment to student safety.
These are just a few examples of how PPEL funds have directly benefited our schools and community. Without the PPEL, these vital projects would have to be funded from other sources, directly impacting classroom resources and staffing.
Why is it important to renew the PPEL now, when the current levy is in place until 2027? There are several key reasons:
Planning for the future: Renewing the PPEL now provides the district with the financial certainty needed for long-term facility master planning.
Avoiding delays: If the vote fails, the district must wait six months before holding another election, potentially delaying critical projects.
Continued support: Renewal ensures continued support for essential technology upgrades, ongoing operations, and proactive long-range planning.
The PPEL is not a burden; it’s an investment. It’s an investment in our children’s education, in the quality of our schools, and in the future of our community. By voting to renew the PPEL in March 2025, we can ensure that West Burlington schools continue to provide a safe, modern, and enriching learning environment for all students. This is a vote for progress, a vote for our children, and a vote for the future of West Burlington. Please make sure you get out and vote when the time arrives in March.
Jason Wester
Superintendent of Schools
West Burlington Independent School District