News

Ankeny Schools to Pursue Renewal of PPEL Funding

The Ankeny Board of Education voted to order an election on the question of continuing to levy a voter-approved physical plant and equipment property tax at the August 7th board meeting in Ankeny. The board set Tuesday, November 7, 2023, as the date for a public vote on the renewal of the district’s Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL).

The PPEL is a levy that can be used for many expenditures, including the construction or renovation of buildings, purchasing property, equipment over $500 in value, and energy conservation expenditures.  

Since the last renewal, PPEL has been instrumental in the district’s efforts to keep older buildings at the same standard as new construction. It is used to fund critical projects, such as safety enhancements, outdoor classrooms and playground repairs, to establish safe and welcoming spaces inside the school buildings via paint projects, classroom technology such as voice amplification and ceiling-mounted projectors, radon mitigation, special education needs, and more.

“The district’s ability to be proactive with building and site improvements and equipment replacement projects heavily depends on using PPEL funds,” said Jennifer Jamison, Chief Financial Officer for Ankeny Schools. “Our district has benefitted from a voter-approved PPEL for many years, and a yes vote would maintain this essential source of funding; it will not result in an increase to the current PPEL levy rate.”