Referendum is November 8
Chisholm Public Schools has a voter-approved operating levy in place, but it will expire next year. We are asking voters to renew the operating levy a year early so more voters have an opportunity to participate in the general election, and so we don't incur the costs of a special election next year. Doing so would NOT lead to a property tax increase and would help preserve critical programs and services.
Residents will also vote on a bond referendum. An approved referendum would allow the district to borrow $32 million to close both Chisholm Elementary and Vaughan Steffensrud Elementary—and add a new elementary school to the existing high school. Major high school needs would also be addressed.
CPS has far more deferred maintenance needs than Long Term Facilities Maintenance Revenue (LTFMR) funds available. The district receives $300,000 of LTFMR annually—and $200,000 is committed to current bonded facility projects. This leaves only about $100,000 per year until 2039. The district has already spent more than $100,000 on emergency repairs alone in the past year.
Chisholm Public Schools has a voter-approved operating levy in place, but it will expire next year. We are asking voters to renew the operating levy a year early so more voters have an opportunity to participate in the general election, and so we don't incur the costs of a special election next year. Doing so would NOT lead to a property tax increase and would help preserve critical programs and services.
Residents will also vote on a bond referendum. An approved referendum would allow the district to borrow $32 million to close both Chisholm Elementary and Vaughan Steffensrud Elementary—and add a new elementary school to the existing high school. Major high school needs would also be addressed.
CPS has far more deferred maintenance needs than Long Term Facilities Maintenance Revenue (LTFMR) funds available. The district receives $300,000 of LTFMR annually—and $200,000 is committed to current bonded facility projects. This leaves only about $100,000 per year until 2039. The district has already spent more than $100,000 on emergency repairs alone in the past year.
How will the money be spent?
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Question #1: Renew the voter-approved Operating Levy to continue programs and student services.
Question #2: Bond Referendum to create one new E-6 school attached to the high school and improve high school athletics/activities spaces and infrastructure.
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What if the referendum fails?
Without a replacement operating levy, the district would lose $200,000 per year in funding; this would lead to a reduction of programs and services for students. If the bond referendum fails… There is no plan B! Facility issues are so desperate that the district may be forced to close and find alternative sites in which to hold school - but there aren’t many nearby buildings with sufficient space to hold more than 600 students. OR District leaders will be forced to consider consolidation. |
New E-6 Building will increase operational efficiency and safety.
The school district is facing significant maintenance challenges in our school buildings, which are over 100 years old, and unfortunately do not have the financial means to continue to make emergency repairs. |
NOTE: Neighboring districts do not have the capacity to serve all of Chisholm’s students at the lower grade levels.
NOTE: After a consolidation, Chisholm residents would pay property taxes on both existing Chisholm debt and the neighboring district’s debt.
NOTE: After a consolidation, Chisholm residents would pay property taxes on both existing Chisholm debt and the neighboring district’s debt.