The Iola-Scandinavia Area Chamber of Commerce released member survey results showing strong local business support for the school district’s upcoming operational referendum. For official information on election dates, deadlines, and the ballot measure’s terms or history, residents should consult the local school district or official municipal election portals.

The anonymous survey, conducted via JotForm, indicated that 91 percent of responding business owners plan to vote “YES” on the ballot measure. Of the responses collected, 20 members indicated they would support the referendum, while two said they would vote against it.

The data also highlighted concerns in the commercial sector about the potential economic impact if the referendum fails to pass. A majority, 81 percent of respondents, anticipated a negative impact on their operations, with 11 members predicting a significant negative impact and seven expecting some negative impact. Two respondents forecast no impact on their businesses, and two remained undecided.

In written commentary, participating business owners highlighted the connection between local school performance and community stability. Several respondents worried that a weakened school system could lower property values and drive away younger families, ultimately shrinking the local customer base and workforce. Others noted that a strong district is essential for attracting skilled workers, such as technicians, accountants, and healthcare professionals, to rural communities that have already lost key services over the years.

According to district estimates, the revised referendum would increase property taxes by about $25 per year for every $100,000 of assessed property value, or roughly $75 per year over the next four years for a $300,000 home.

Based on the survey consensus, the Chamber of Commerce issued a formal statement encouraging district residents to vote in favor of the measure. The organization characterized the referendum as an investment in local infrastructure and commercial viability, stating that a fully funded school system directly supports the broader economic health of the Iola-Scandinavia area.