Community members are getting out the vote on a $28.9 million bond referendum set for the public to vote on come Nov. 8.

Members of the still-organizing Vote Yes committee are gearing up for a campaign blitz. At issue is a bond levy for funds to build a proposed grades five and six school and expand Woodsen Kindergarten Center.

“We have to be able to provide seats,” said Peggy Young, committee chair.

Young, who was part of the facilities task force that recommended the solution, said more than 20 people are already a part of the committee with more joining.

The Vote Yes Committee is helping district officials explain what the referendum will be used for and why Austin Public Schools is asking for the levy increase. A demographic survey done in 2009 predicted the district’s student population would dramatically increase, so that there would be about 400 more students by 2014 in the district and about 1,000 more students 10 years from now.

In addition, a facility usage study done last year showed that seven out of the eight district buildings were either at or over capacity last year, with even more strains on each building this year. Woodsen Kindergarten Center recently added another classroom after its student population jumped to more than 380 students.

District officials say there is no more extra space to convert into classrooms there.

“Everyone we talk to I think sees the need, it’s just a matter of are we able to pay for it?” said Austin Superintendent David Krenz. “Are they willing to pay for it with their taxes?”

Young said Vote Yes members will be organizing letters, banners, buttons and other merchandise to get out the vote and will be at major town events just like last year’s Vote Yes committee.

Although district officials have spoken to several groups about the bond referendum, Krenz said Austin officials will step up their appearances to various groups around town as November gets closer.