WOODBURY, Minn. — On November 7th, voters across Minnesota will weigh in on dozens of education-related ballot questions.
In the South Washington County school district, which covers cities like Woodbury and Cottage Grove, there will be two bond questions and a technology levy question on the ballot totaling $260 million.
Last year, voters rejected the district's request, which at that point, was the state's largest school bond measure at $463 million. This time it's slashed in half.
"For anyone who says they haven't heard the information, they have not had their eyes and ears open," said Superintendent Julie Nielsen, who says the district has hosted at least 60 informational meetings this year and mailed postcards to residents.
"We believe that this is the community's plan and took into account tax tolerance, as well as the importance that our community said around safety and security," said Nielsen.
The bond measure is broken down into two bond questions. The first question is about safety and security enhancements at secondary schools, including East Ridge High School which is already 30% over capacity.
The second question addresses elementary school space and includes renovations for bathrooms. The second question is contingent on the passage of question one. Without the approval of question one, elementary school attendance boundary changes will be implemented for the 2024-25 school year.
"These are really things that we're at the point of needing," said Nielsen.
The third question is about a technology levy to address cybersecurity, devices and repairs, among other things. In all, that could mean about a $136 property tax every year on a $500,000 home.
"While we're optimistic, and we've worked hard to get the information out, we also know at the end of the day it is in our taxpayer's hands," said Nielsen, who also notes that 70% of area residents don't have students in the school district.
When asked what happens if the bond measure doesn't pass, Nielson said, "We will continue working. We cannot continue to not have seats for our students."
Nielsen expects about 20,000 new students in the next five years - students she says the district is committed to supporting.
The bond measure is also so much smaller that it's already not meeting some of the other needs of the district - meaning it can no longer fund an alternative high school, early learning programs and programs for 18-22-year-olds.
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