WHAT WE’RE ASKING RESIDENTS TO CONSIDER

On Tuesday, November 3, you will see two ballot questions–an operating levy and a building bond referendum. To help remember the difference, levies are for learning, and bonds are for buildings.

Graphic with text reading "Levies are for learning" as part of Question 1's operating levy.
Green background with white and black text that reads "Bonds are for buildings" as part of Question 2's building bond referendum.

Question 1’s operating levy requests a per-pupil increase of $415 per student to the existing levy to maintain adequate funding to support our current educational and operational budget needs for the next 10 years. If approved, those dollars would be used to support the following: 

  • Maintaining class sizes: Ensuring that we can keep optimal class sizes, allowing for more personalized attention and support for each student.

  • Enhancing educational programs: Investing in curriculum development, educational resources, and supplies that enrich learning experiences for our students.

  • Supporting all school employees: Providing competitive salaries and professional development opportunities to attract and retain talented educators and support staff.

  • Extracurricular activities: Continuing to offer a wide range of opportunities, such as athletics, fine arts, and other activities that contribute to a well-rounded education.

  • Operational costs: Covering essential expenses such as transportation, utilities, and maintenance to keep our schools functional.

Question 1: Operating Levy

If Question 1’s operating levy is approved by residents, we would be able to keep class sizes small and continue providing programs that positively impact our students. However, if not approved, significant budget cuts will be needed, class sizes will increase, and extracurricular activities and other programs will be lost. Without additional funding, we will be forced to rely more heavily on our financial reserves–a short-term solution that is unsustainable and puts future stability at risk.

Question 2’s building bond referendum requests $15.4 million to make improvements to the Wagner Education Building, Lake Ripley Elementary School, and Litchfield Middle/High School, along with repairs and restoration improvements to our grandstand. The scope of this question has been reduced several times, ensuring that we are only asking residents to consider our most critical needs. Here are additional details for Question 2. Click each image below to view a larger PDF in a separate window.

Question 2: Building Bond Referendum

    • Replace remaining wood windows that are original to the building

    • Create a secured entrance through the Community Education office

    • Make exterior envelope upgrades and repairs

    • Replace the boiler and upgrade it to a central heating plant along with other building mechanical and electrical system upgrades

    • Replace and expand the southeast parking lot to the athletic stadium fence line

    • Install a fire sprinkler system

    • Install an ADA-accessible inclined wheelchair lift for the northwest entry

    • Remodel the common bathrooms

    • Replace the main entrance concrete

    • Complete LED lighting upgrades

Architectural and conceptual floor plan of Lake Ripley Elementary School.

    • Complete LED lighting upgrades

Architectural and conceptual floor plan of the Litchfield Middle School.

    • Complete LED lighting upgrades

    • Complete building system upgrades

    • Replace main gymnasium egress doors

    • Remodel the bathrooms and showers in our locker rooms

    • Complete ADA upgrades to the Special Education area

    • Update the HVAC system in the FACS classroom

    • Complete repairs and restoration improvements to our home grandstand

If Question 2’s building bond referendum is approved by residents, these improvements would create safer buildings for students and staff. Site circulation would be improved, safety and security issues would be mitigated, accessibility barriers would be removed, and we would be able to maintain safe, secure, inviting, and inclusive buildings.

Board-Approved Considerations

If Question 2’s building bond referendum is not approved by residents, our school board has outlined maintenance needs that simply can’t wait any longer. Minnesota school boards can approve certain projects without voter approval using Long-Term Facilities Maintenance (LTFM) and abatement bonds. These dollars can be used for things like HVAC system indoor air quality improvements, fire suppression, parking lots, and roofing.

If the building bond is not approved, our school board would consider a $10.3 million non-voter-approved project from the proposed $15.4 million bond referendum to complete indoor air quality, building system, and parking lot improvements to address some of our most critical needs. Completing the entirety of the proposed bond scope would result in scheduling and cost efficiencies. These important projects would help keep our building safe and functional.

A graphic with the words "Understand the Impact" over a blurred background of a laptop, calculator, and financial charts in shades of green and white.