On or before Tuesday, November 4, residents will decide whether to invest $21.7 million for critical facility and educational improvements at both schools by casting their vote. The proposed plan includes building a fine arts learning center addition, a new secured entrance and office area, adding windows to several classrooms, replacing underfloor sewer pipe, and other improvements at our junior/senior high school. 

The plan also includes replacing the original 1954 elevator and making additional exterior and interior improvements, such as tuckpointing and door replacements at our elementary school. 

There is one question on the ballot. Learn more by visiting our Plan Page.

If approved by voters, the proposed improvements will improve the physical integrity, safety, and security of our buildings, renew our educational spaces and provide adequate space for our students and staff, and provide classrooms and an educational experience that sets students up for success, regardless of the path they take.

Over the past year, we have worked through a long-range planning process to further understand, identify, and prioritize our needs. Working alongside our Operations Committee, our school board has been aligned since the start to responsibly address our most critical needs in a way that also aligns with feedback received many years ago. 

If the referendum fails, the district will continue to work to address our needs, including seeking appropriate funding to address them. What we know is that our facility and educational needs won’t go away, and will likely worsen the longer we wait to address them, along with increased costs. The non-voter approved improvements listed above will move forward regardless of the outcome of the building bond referendum. The district won’t be able to take advantage of the economies of scale and other efficiencies that are gained with both projects happening simultaneously.

Yes. On Tuesday, July 22, the school board used its authority to authorize levying funding to address critical physical infrastructure needs in both schools. Approximately $17.8 million will be used to make critical improvements to the mechanical and HVAC systems in select areas at both our elementary and junior/senior high schools, address critical roofing needs in select locations of both buildings, install a fire sprinkler system at our junior/senior high school, and replace select roof sections that need replacement. These improvements are not included in the proposed voter-approved building bond referendum. However, they would be implemented at the same time if voters approve the proposed building bond referendum, resulting in schedule and cost efficiencies. 

Given the importance of these improvements to the overall integrity, safety, and indoor air quality of our buildings, the board decided to use its limited levy authority to proceed with these improvements rather than include them as part of the building bond referendum. For a $200,000 residential home in the district, the estimated tax impact for the board-approved work is approximately $8.90 per month starting in 2026.

In Minnesota, voters decide whether school districts can increase property taxes to pay for the bonds used for renovating and constructing school buildings. Like a loan on a car or mortgage on a house, the bonds need to be repaid over time plus interest.

Strong schools attract families, businesses and industries, which can stimulate economic growth in a community and create job opportunities. Schools often serve as a hub for community education and events, fostering a sense of belonging among residents. 

New investments, or a lack of them, in schools and their facilities can significantly influence these impacts of schools within our communities.

We can. However, if we delay, it won’t change the need to invest in deferred maintenance, space, and equipment, but the cost to local taxpayers will likely increase due to construction inflation and added interest costs. Facility needs, such as the wastewater pipe replacements in our junior/senior high school, have a limited lifespan and need to be addressed as quickly as possible.

State law requires school districts to present one facility plan per ballot question. The district explored alternatives but determined this single-question bond best meets current needs while respecting taxpayer resources.

Yes. A draft design of the plan has been developed, but school districts do not typically invest in developing detailed design plans unless voters approve the plan and authorize funding. Conceptual drawings can be viewed on our Plan Page.