North Tama School Board Encourages YES Vote on “Public Measure B”

North Tama School Board Encourages YES Vote on “Public Measure B”

       Traer, Iowa – With the November school election quickly approaching, the North Tama County Community School District’s Board of Education has taken decisive action to make it clear to the public that they are encouraging a YES vote on Public Measure B, also known as the SAVE Revenue Purpose Statement.

       The ballot measure specifies how revenues from the recently re-approved “Secure an Advanced Vision for Education” statewide 1-cent sales tax (also known as SAVE) may be used by the district.  It will NOT change the current sales tax rate. Citizens statewide will continue to pay the 1-cent sales tax even if the proposed ballot measure is not approved.

       “Students and schools all across Iowa have benefitted greatly from the SAVE 1-cent sales tax that has been in place for the last ten years,” stated David Hill, district superintendent.  “Now that the legislature and governor have extended SAVE until 2051, schools will be required to pass a new Revenue Purpose Statement in order to spend revenues collected under the new extension.” 

       Public measures like this one are on the ballot in numerous school districts across the state this fall as a follow-up to the Iowa Legislature’s recent extension of the statewide 1-cent sales tax.  Notable districts pursuing ballot measures of this type elsewhere in the state include Waukee, Charles City, Clear Lake, Clinton, Dubuque, Norwalk, Knoxville, and all of the Cedar Rapids Metro Area districts including College Community, Linn-Mar, Marion Independent, and Cedar Rapids.  Closer to home, area districts voting on nearly identical ballot measures this fall include Dike-New Hartford, Aplington-Parkersburg, Marshalltown, Wapsie Valley, Denver, and Gladbrook-Reinbeck.  All districts statewide are expected to follow suit in the next few years as the sunset of the current SAVE law approaches. 

       Revenue Purpose Statement ballot measures across the state are causing some confusion, with some making the false assumption that a YES vote will increase taxes.  At its October monthly school board meeting, the North Tama board passed a resolution encouraging a YES vote in hopes of clearing up any confusion.  Hill stated, “I’m pleased that the board has decided to make it perfectly clear to the voters that a YES vote is best for North Tama, and that a majority YES vote will NOT increase taxes in any way.” Hill explained that the ballot measure simply gives North Tama County the PERMISSION TO SPEND the revenues that it will already be receiving in the broadest ways allowed by law. 

       Iowa law limits the use of revenues from the statewide 1-cent sales tax to a list of specific types of uses – primarily for infrastructure and related purposes. North Tama – like other Iowa districts – has worded its Revenue Purpose Statement to allow the district to spend future sales tax revenues on ANY expenditure allowed by Iowa law to allow for maximum flexibility. 

       Hill called the ballot measure a “no-brainer,” stating, “SAVE received bipartisan support in the legislature because folks on both sides of the aisle realize that it really has helped to keep property taxes down while allowing school districts to meet their long-term infrastructure needs.” 

       When asked whether it is legal for a school board to take a position on an upcoming ballot item, Hill responded, “Iowa Code section 68A.505 allows a governing body to express an opinion on a ballot issue through the passage of a resolution.” He added, “This resolution has been reviewed by the district’s attorney as well as staff at the Iowa Campaign and Ethics Disclosure Board, and both have found it to be within the parameters of the law.” 

       Voters will determine the outcome of Public Measure B in the November 5 school/city election, along with the selection of school board members, city councils, and mayoral races. 

November 5 School Election Update

Superintendent News & Views

November 5 School Election Update

By David Hill, North Tama Superintendent

City and school district elections will be held across Iowa on Tuesday, November 5.  In the North Tama County Community School District, voters will select four candidates to serve on the Board of Education and will vote on a special ballot measure as well. 

Four of the seven Board of Education seats at North Tama will be decided in the November election.  Incumbents Doug Dvorak and Valerie Bradley have filed papers to run for re-election in their director districts.  Tiffany Feisel and Mona Larson have opted to not seek re-election. 

Haley Blaine is running unopposed for the Director District 3 seat being vacated by Mona Larson.  In Director District 7, three candidates are running to replace Tiffany Feisel.  Rebecca Dostal, Amber Monat, and David Boldt have all filed nomination papers to be considered for the Director District 7 seat. 

In the North Tama district CANDIDATES must reside in the director district they are seeking to represent, but ALL voters may vote for ALL board seats regardless of where in the district the voter may live. 

In a recent SUPERINTENDENT NEWS & VIEWS column, I shared with you that the Iowa legislature has extended the statewide one-cent sales tax for school infrastructure until 2051, requiring the passage of a new Revenue Purpose Statement before a district may access the funds that will be generated starting in 2031. 

At their September board meeting, the North Tama Board of Education decided to move forward with this process by bringing to our patrons a ballot issue regarding the allowed uses of the one-cent sales tax.  Several other area districts are holding similar ballot measures in this election, and we’ll see ballot measures just like this one all over the state of Iowa between now and the expiration of the current law. 

Provided below in a “Question & Answer” format is information regarding North Tama’s Revenue Purpose Statement ballot issue and the process prescribed by state laws for our district to continue to use these funds beyond 2031. If you have any other questions after reviewing this information, please do not hesitate to contact me by phone at (319) 478-2265 or by email at dhill@n-tama.k12.ia.us 

WHAT IS A REVENUE PURPOSE STATEMENT?

It is a ballot issue that describes the allowed uses for the 1-cent sales tax in the State of Iowa that is dedicated to all Iowa school districts. This one-cent sales tax is known as SAVE (Secure an Advanced Vision for Education). North Tama’s current Revenue Purpose Statement – originally passed in September 2008 – received overwhelming support from district patrons.  Now that the Iowa Legislature has extended the sales tax to last until 2051, a new Revenue Purpose Statement is needed.  

WHAT IS BETTER FOR NORTH TAMA SCHOOLS?  A “YES” VOTE OR A “NO” VOTE? 

While I wouldn’t presume to tell you how to vote, I would offer that these RPS measures have been relatively non-controversial all over the state. Many have called them a “no-brainer,” as consumers statewide are already paying the one-cent sales tax and will continue to pay it either way, and school districts statewide will receive the revenues either way -- the RPS just gives districts a little more flexibility with the dollars they are already receiving. A prevailing “YES” vote won’t cost you anything, and it will allow North Tama to continue to maintain and upgrade facilities, technology infrastructure, student technology, and transportation equipment.

WILL THIS RAISE MY TAXES?

The outcome of this vote will absolutely NOT raise your taxes - regardless of whether the YES or NO vote prevails. The one-cent sales tax is already being collected statewide and the legislature has now extended the one-cent sales tax until 2051.  The sole purpose of the Revenue purpose Statement is to describe and outline the uses for which the one-cent sales tax may be used at North Tama.

WHAT DO WE CURRENTLY DO WITH THE ONE-CENT SALES TAX REVENUE?

Over the past 10 years North Tama has used SAVE revenues for just about every type of infrastructure expenditure allowed by law.  Here are some examples:

• Major Addition & Remodeling Project including Locker Rooms, Gym Lobby, Jr. High Classrooms and Commons, Remodeling of Jr. High Classrooms, and Superintendent’s Office
• Athletic Facility Improvements (Dennis Field, Gymnasium, and NT Athletic Complex)
• Student Computers and 1-to-1 Devices as well as Teacher Computers
• Back-End Technology Infrastructure
• Fine Arts Improvements (including stage lighting, painting and carpeting band and vocal classrooms and the upcoming installation of a new acoustic shell and stage curtain)
• Air-Conditioning Classrooms
• HVAC Improvements (including boilers)
• Flooring Improvements (including gym and stage resurfacing, classroom flooring replacements, and installation of stair treads for increased safety)
• Playground Improvements
• Handicapped Accessibility Improvements (Elevator Repairs, Addition of ADA-Compliant Ramps)
• Sidewalk and Concrete Repairs
• Purchase of School Buses and Vehicles
• Retrofitting Route Buses with Seat Belts
• Air Conditioning School Buses
• Transportation Repairs (repairs over $2500 may be paid from SAVE)
• Improving Building Security (including secured access doors & security cameras)
• Installation of Energy-Efficient Lighting
• Roofs, Downspout, and Gutter Repair
• Added 4 Drinking Fountains with Water-Bottle Fillers
• Purchasing an Adjacent Lot and Demolishing a House for Additional Parking

IF THIS BALLOT MEASURE IS APPROVED BY VOTERS, HOW WILL THE DISTRICT’S USE OF THE ONE-CENT SALES TAX REVENUES CHANGE?

For the most part, I would expect the district’s spending of the one-cent sales tax revenues to look very similar to the types of uses listed in the previous question: to maintain and improve district facilities, equipment, and infrastructure.  Our current Revenue Purpose Statement (which expires at the end of the current SAVE legislation) was written with the same goal in mind as the newly proposed statement: to allow maximum flexibility for the school district.  

One possible change may be the consideration of some larger projects that would require bonding against future revenues.  The approval of a new Revenue Purpose Statement now would allow the district to bond against future revenues from the one-cent sales tax through 2051 if necessary for more expensive projects. 

WHY IS THIS NEEDED NOW?  

This isn’t absolutely needed now, but it is needed sometime before the current SAVE law expires and the new, extended SAVE law begins on January 1, 2031. You’ll see ballot measures just like this one all over the state of Iowa between now and that date.  

A new RPS is needed before a district can structure revenue bonds against SAVE revenues that will be generated on or after January 1, 2031.  So, the approval of a new Revenue Purpose Statement may be needed before any very large, expensive infrastructure projects can take place in the district.

WHAT WILL NORTH TAMA DO IF THE REVENUE PURPOSE STATEMENT IS NOT APPROVED?

As stated above, the district needs to pass a Revenue Purpose Statement sometime before the current SAVE law expires and the new, extended SAVE law begins on January 1, 2031.  While a failure to pass the RPS wouldn’t cause a major problem right now, it would be crippling for North Tama if the RPS doesn’t pass sometime prior to 2031.  At the present time, it would only hold us back from MAJOR projects that would require borrowing.  Iowa law requires a minimum of six months to elapse before another Revenue Purpose Election can be held. If the Revenue Purpose Statement considered by voters in November is not approved, either the same or a revised RPS can be brought back to our voters. If the Board of Education wants to avoid the cost of holding a special election, they may opt to wait two years until the next regular school election.  

WILL PASSAGE OF THE REVENUE PURPOSE STATEMENT REQUIRE A “SUPER-MAJORITY”?

No.  A simple majority (50% +1) is needed for passage.

WHAT IF I HAVE ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS?  

If you have any other questions after reviewing this information, please do not hesitate to contact me by phone at (319) 478-2265 or by email at dhill@n-tama.k12.ia.us. The same questions and answers that you read above are also posted on our website. As I receive questions from district patrons, I may add to the “Q&A” document for further clarification.  You can find the online “Q&A” at http://bit.ly/NTRPS.

I encourage your feedback on this column, along with any questions you may have. You are welcome to visit my blog at http://redhawksupt.blogspot.com/ where you can read all of my columns and leave comments if you wish. You are also welcome to follow me on Twitter, where my handle is @DavidRobertHill. 

What Parents Need to Know About Vaping

Superintendent News & Views

What Parents Need to Know About Vaping

By David Hill, North Tama Superintendent

“Vaping” is a term often used to describe the use of a nicotine vaporizer – also known as electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes.  Studies show that vaping is becoming increasingly popular with young people.  In a recent nationwide survey, nearly 1/3 of high school seniors reported that they have tried vaping at some point.   The U.S. Surgeon General recently referred to teen vaping as an epidemic.

A vape can be small, discrete, and odor-free.  They often resemble USB flash drives or pens and can be easily purchased online and at many gas stations and convenience stores.  The easily concealed and the odorless nature of these products makes it possible for them to be used without detection in many situations.

Nicotine is delivered through replaceable pods or tanks of liquid.  The liquid nicotine is often flavored and smells fruity or sweet when exhaled.  One pod can have as much nicotine as 20 cigarettes.  Vapes can also be used for marijuana and other substances. 

These devices have become popular among young people because they are easy to obtain, taste sweet like candy, and difficult to detect.  Many young people don’t understand that vapes contain nicotine – or they think vaping is a safer alternative to smoking cigarettes.  That’s simply not true.  With the high concentration of nicotine, they are much MORE addictive and much MORE harmful to young people. 

What are the warning signs that your child may be vaping?  Teens will sometimes exhibit withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, trouble sleeping, and extreme irritability.  While vapes don’t have a traditional smoke smell, many do have a fruity or sweet smell.  Marijuana vapes sometimes have a soapy or burnt smell. 

Many teens will assume their parents don’t know the terminology related to vaping and might use “code words” with their friends.  If you hear your child or one of his/her friends talking about “Juice” or a “Pod” (the nicotine liquid or cartridge), they may be referring to vaping. Other terms include “Juul” (a popular brand) or “Pen” (a popular term for a vape).

Parents and students should be aware that at school, we will treat the use of vapes and/or the possession of vapes in the same way as we would treat the use or possession of other forms of nicotine/tobacco. Our school board policy prohibits these items even if they don’t contain nicotine/tobacco.  For nearly all of our students, possessing and/or using these devices is against the law and for ALL of our students, it is a violation of school rules.

As an educator and a parent, I urge all parents to have a conversation with their child about the dangers of electronic cigarettes and vaping. Contrary to what some may think, vaping is NOT safe. Nicotine use during adolescence has been shown to impact brain development.  Because of the high concentration of nicotine contained in vapes children are becoming hooked and addicted to at a much faster rate.  Furthermore, studies have shown that teens who vape are four times more likely to start using tobacco cigarettes. 

I encourage your feedback on this column, along with any questions you may have. You are welcome to visit my blog at http://redhawksupt.blogspot.com/ where you can read all of my columns and leave comments if you wish. You are also welcome to follow me on Twitter, where my handle is @DavidRobertHill.

Update on the SAVE Statewide One-Cent Sales Tax for School Infrastructure

Superintendent News & Views

Update on the SAVE Statewide One-Cent Sales Tax for School Infrastructure

By David Hill, North Tama Superintendent

This past spring, Governor Kim Reynolds signed a bill into law that will truly make a positive difference for Iowa’s school districts, students, and property owners. House File 546, signed by the Governor after receiving bipartisan support in the Iowa legislature, extends the statewide one-cent sales tax for school infrastructure for an additional 20 years while providing additional property tax relief for property owners.

Gov. Kim Reynolds signed HF546, the SAVE extension, into law on May 24, 2019 at the Sioux City Career Academy. The law extends the penny sales tax for school infrastructure to January 1, 2051.

Commonly called the “statewide penny,” the official term is SAVE, which stands for Secure an Advanced Vision for Education.  Since SAVE became law in 2009, it has allowed Iowa’s school districts to maintain and upgrade their facilities and to provide students with increased school security, safer transportation systems, and better access to modern technology as well as the necessary technology infrastructure without increasing the burden on property taxpayers. 

Since the SAVE became law, the North Tama County Community School District has used these revenues to improve and maintain our facilities, build the 2010 addition (which included the Jr. High wing, gym lobby, locker rooms, and administrative offices), improve student safety by installing controlled-access systems and video security, air condition our classrooms, improve handicapped accessibility, provide 1-to-1 computing devices and computer labs, improve technology infrastructure, purchase buses and vehicles, install air conditioning and seat belts on route buses, repair roofs, and to provide numerous other improvements to our academic, athletic, and fine arts facilities.  During the same time period that all of this has been accomplished, the burden on North Tama’s property taxpayers has been reduced.  The current property tax rate of $10.23 per thousand is one of the lowest property tax rates in our region. 

The current statewide penny had been set to expire in 2029. The year 2029 may seem like a long way off, but that time frame is short enough to impact school districts’ ability to issue bonds against future revenues.  Realizing this, leaders in the Iowa Statehouse had been working to achieve bipartisan support for extending SAVE for the last few legislative sessions.  A compromise was finally reached this year. 

The new SAVE law isn’t identical to the previous one.  Among other differences, the new SAVE commits additional funds for property tax relief.  Depending on the annual growth in statewide sales tax revenues, the amount dedicated to property tax relief will increase each year by up to 1% until it reaches a cap of 30.0% of the funds generated.  Another change in the law requires a public hearing before SAVE revenues are spent on athletic facilities that are not attached to a school building.

Consumers won’t notice a change at all -- sales taxes paid on purchases throughout Iowa will remain the same.  Funds generated by the SAVE go into a statewide pool that is distributed to districts based on certified enrollment...this makes the distribution of funds more equitable for school districts, regardless of whether it is an urban district with a lot of retail business or a more rural district with fewer retail transactions. 

In the coming years, SAVE revenues will continue to be vital for North Tama to maintain our buildings and boilers, to continue upgrades to facilities, technology infrastructure, student technology, and transportation equipment. In addition, our facilities need continued accessibility improvements for handicapped individuals.

The price tag for the improvements mentioned in the preceding paragraph is likely to be high. Accomplishing these items within a reasonable timeframe may require bonding for a period of more than ten years.  The extension of SAVE makes that possible. 

Before North Tama was able to borrow funds for the 2010 addition project, it was necessary for voters to approve a Revenue Purpose Statement (RPS) that gave the district the greatest amount of flexibility allowed by law when using SAVE revenues.  That RPS ballot measure received overwhelming voter approval. Voters at that time realized that a “Yes” vote didn’t cost them anything and gave their school district the flexibility to use SAVE funds to meet the needs that had been prioritized locally. Those “Yes” votes made a major addition and renovation project at North Tama a reality without raising anyone’s taxes. 

Now that SAVE has been extended by the legislature, school districts must pass another Revenue Purpose Statement ballot measure before bonding against future revenues beyond the original SAVE sunset date.  At the September school board meeting, the North Tama board will be considering whether to have a Revenue Purpose Statement measure included as part of the November election ballot.

Whether it is on our local ballot this November or not, I’m sure voters across the state will be voting on Revenue Purpose Statements over the next few years as the sunset of the original SAVE approaches. It is my guess that voters across Iowa will once again vote in support of these measures, as it really is a “no-brainer.”  Consumers statewide will pay the sales tax either way, and school districts statewide will receive the revenues either way -- the RPS just gives districts a little more flexibility with the dollars they are already receiving. 

If you’d like to hear the school board’s discussion as they consider this topic, consider attending the September school board meeting on Monday, September 16 at 7:00 p.m. in the North Tama ICN Room.  I will keep you posted on the board’s decision in this column.  If the RPS is on the ballot, I will use this column to provide detailed information and to answer any questions submitted by district patrons. 

As I close this column, just a reminder to all district patrons that there will be four school board seats up for election this November, and that nomination forms for school board candidates are now being accepted in the district office.  Forms can be picked up during business hours from board secretary Terrill Karr, and completed forms with the appropriate number of signatures must be returned to our office no later than September 19 at 5:00 p.m.

I encourage your feedback on this column, along with any questions you may have. You are welcome to visit my blog at http://redhawksupt.blogspot.com where you can read all of my columns and leave comments if you wish. You are also welcome to follow me on Twitter, where my handle is @DavidRobertHill. 

Time Management

Superintendent News & Views

Time Management

By David Hill, North Tama Superintendent

We all have access to the same 24 hours each day, yet it seems some people can get so much more done than others. Are you often late to school, work, appointments, or class?  Are you usually the last one to arrive at practices and meetings?  Do you typically finish assignments at the last minute?  Do you often feel like you have too much to do, and do you wish you had more time for the things you want to do?  If you answered “Yes” to any of these questions, now is the time to work on improving your time management skills. 

The beginning of a new school year is an ideal time to think about effective time management.  The new school year started on August 23, and this year will provide our students with numerous opportunities to practice their time management skills.  Learning to master time management will give you more time for everything you NEED to do, which will hopefully leave you more time for the things you WANT to do. 

The following ideas are provided by the National Association of Secondary School Principals.  You’re likely to see a difference even if you implement just a few of the tips below.  The result will be reduced stress levels and a greater feeling of control…which may lead to your best school year yet!  Consider implementing as many of these ideas as possible:

MAKE TO-DO LISTS: Each day, make a list of all the things you need to do.  You may consider prioritizing the list or categorizing each item as to whether it needs to be done today, in the next few days, or someday.  Cross things off as they get done, and revisit the list often. 

PLAN: Use a planner to keep track of assignments, tests, appointments, and due dates.  You can use digital planner on your smart phone, a Google calendar on your computer or tablet, or an old-fashioned paper planner…just select one and use it faithfully. 

PREPARE: Get everything ready for the next day before you go to bed.  Once each week – perhaps each Sunday night, consider your schedule for the week.  If it doesn’t look like you can realistically get it all done, think about what items are the lowest priority and arrange for those things to wait until a future time. 

COMBINE TASKS: For example, study while you’re doing laundry or review your notes while you’re waiting for a ride. 

LOOK FOR WASTED TIME:  Social media, TV, and video games can all be huge time wasters.  Schedule smaller chunks of time for these activities and stick to your schedule.  Think about how you can use the time you gain in a more effective way.

CREATE ROUTINES: A good morning and nighttime routine can save you time and will help your day run more smoothly. 

William Penn once said, “Time is what we want most, but what we use worst.”  I hope the information and ideas provided in this column will help you to use as least some of your time in a more effective way.  It is my hope that these tips will help the new school year be your best year yet! 

I encourage your feedback on this column, along with any questions you may have. You are welcome to visit my blog at http://redhawksupt.blogspot.com/ where you can read all of my columns and leave comments if you wish. You are also welcome to follow me on Twitter, where my handle is @DavidRobertHill. 

Get Outdoors!

Superintendent News & Views

Get Outdoors! 

By David Hill, North Tama Superintendent

I was raised on a family farm in Northern Tama County within close proximity of a beautiful county park. Growing up, my family also had access to a large timber area near our farm, along with a good number of wooded acres along Wolf Creek.  I spent countless hours hiking in the woods, mountain biking, enjoying the creek, identifying trees and collecting insects with my grandma, fishing with my grandpa, mushroom hunting with my mom, and more. It was a great way to bond with my family, enjoy nature, and get some physical activity. 

  We’re so fortunate here in the North Tama County Community School District to have access to some wonderful parks and other opportunities for outdoor recreation.  I want to issue a challenge to our North Tama students and their families to GET OUTDOORS AND ENJOY NATURE before the summer gets away from us.  There are numerous opportunities to enjoy the outdoors right here in our area.

T.F. Clark Park in rural Traer offers great sites for camping and picnicking, as well as trails for hiking and nature observation and access to Wolf Creek for fishing, kayaking, and other activities.  There’s a playground, a ball field, and an open-air shelter for picnicking.  

Otter Creek Park is a “hidden gem” in Tama County, offering a multi-use recreation area to accommodate camping, fishing, picnicking, hiking, playground activities, swimming, boating, and nature observation.  One unique feature of Otter Creek park is a two-acre native prairie that has never tilled by man.  Take a hike on the 3-mile scenic loop around the lake, enjoy the free-admission swimming beach, or take advantage of the numerous handicapped-accessible areas.  There’s even a modern shower house, a fish cleaning station, and two open-air shelters. 

Also at Otter Creek is the beautiful Tama County Nature Center, which is a popular facility for social events including weddings, receptions, family reunions, and workshops and in recent years has placed an emphasis on improving the educational component, with an awesome educational display room featuring  a wrap-around diorama showcasing riparian habitats in the county and the species of plants and animals that live there. I was honored to serve on the Exhibit Team which helped to plan the educational exhibits on display at the center. 

Hickory Hills County Park is unique, as it is located in Northern Tama County but operated by the Black Hawk County Conservation Board.  It includes many of the same features and amenities the previously mentioned parks, plus an archery range and a captive wildlife display. 

A little farther away but still within a short driving distance, you can find great opportunities for bicycling, walking/jogging and nature observation on some of our area nature trails.  Favorites of mine include the Wolf Creek Nature Trail/Comet Trail which connects the cities of Gladbrook, Beaman, and Conrad along with the Wolf Creek Recreation Area in rural Grundy County, the Old Creamery Trail which connects Dysart to Garrison and Vinton, and the Pioneer Trail which extends from Reinbeck through Morrison and the Wolfe Family Preserve on to Grundy Center and continuing to Holland. 

Our city councils also maintain very nice park facilities within our communities, offering multiple opportunities to get outdoors and enjoy nature along with some great physical activity.  The summer months are an ideal time to visit Traer’s Wilson Nature Preserve, as this unique park has numerous native prairie grasses and over 75 native flowers in various stages of bloom over the spring and summer.  Taylor Park in Traer is a great place to enjoy a special event, play basketball or horseshoes, or take a dip in the city pool. The parks in Traer and Clutier also have an assortment of playground equipment for children to enjoy.     

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources recently rolled out the “99 Counties, 99 Parks” initiative to highlight the wide array of recreational activities our state offers within its county parks and to expand awareness of the county park system.  The state of Iowa has more than 1,800 county parks encompassing nearly 200,000 acres. 

Governor Kim Reynolds introduced the “99 Counties, 99 Parks” by inviting Iowans and others to visit our parks, stating, “We have an abundance of natural beauty in this state, and we’re thrilled to issue an invitation for people to experience it firsthand. I know my family will be outside exploring all the county parks have to offer this summer, so I hope my fellow Iowans and visitors to our state will join us.”

Visit traveliowa.com/99parks to learn more about the campaign.  Families are encouraged to download the “99 Counties, 99 Parks” Family Fun Guide, which features a variety of activities including recipes, a scavenger hunt and art projects as well as information on geocaching and creating nature sculptures. Participants can track their visits to the featured parks on the “99 Counties, 99 Parks” checklist. Many of the parks also include “selfie stands” where visitors can take photos and share their experiences on social media using #ThisIsIowa or #99parks. 

To learn more about our local county parks, visit and www.mycountyparks.com/County/Tama.aspx. I want to commend the Tama County Conservation Board as well as the dedicated county conservation employees for the good work they do in providing high-quality outdoor experiences for area residents and visitors. 

Before the summer ends, I hope each of our students and their families will take advantage of these resources and enjoy some quality family time in the process.  Whether it's boating, swimming, hunting, fishing, kayaking, geocaching, bicycling, orienteering, or just taking a nature walk – getting outdoors and enjoying our natural resources is a great way to exercise your body and rejuvenate your spirit as you prepare for the new school year that approaches! 

I encourage your feedback on this column, along with any questions you may have. You are welcome to visit my blog at http://redhawksupt.blogspot.com/ where you can read all of my columns and leave comments if you wish. You are also welcome to follow me on Twitter, where my handle is @DavidRobertHill.