Dubuque Community School District voters approved a higher Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL) and elected Mike Hoskins to the school board in Tuesday’s special election.

The PPEL proposal passed, giving the school district authority to increase its current levy from 67 cents to $1.34 per $1,000 of assessed property value. The levy provides funding dedicated to school buildings, equipment, repairs and other capital improvements. District officials said the increased levy is expected to generate more than $3 million annually.

The additional revenue is expected to help the district address a number of facility needs, including adding air conditioning to schools and improving security at school entrances. PPEL funds are specifically designated for infrastructure and equipment rather than day-to-day operating expenses.

The PPEL had been set at 67 cents per $1,000 since voters approved the previous levy in 2016. The new levy will provide the district with an additional 67 cents per $1,000 of assessed value for the next 10 years.

The election also included a special school board race to fill the seat vacated by Sarah Jacobitz-Kizzier. Three candidates — Mike Hoskins, Jim Prochaska and Jeremy Vallin — competed for the at-large position.

Hoskins won the election, narrowly defeating Prochaska. Vallin also was on the ballot.

The election comes at a significant time for the Dubuque school district, which is facing substantial financial and facility challenges. District officials have said the PPEL provides a separate source of funding for capital projects and is not part of the district’s operating budget or the nearly $17 million budget gap the district has been working to address.

The PPEL funds will allow the district to continue making investments in its facilities, including maintenance, repairs, equipment and safety improvements, while providing additional resources for projects needed to improve the learning environment for students.

The September 8 special election was limited to voters residing within the Dubuque Community School District.