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Tri-City United Public Schools is calling for a special election on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, asking voters to consider a single ballot question to authorize general obligation bonds not to exceed $39,990,000 for facility infrastructure and learning environment improvements.
Tri-City United Referendum Not Approved by Voters
Tri-City United Referendum Not Approved by Voters
MONTGOMERY, MN — On November 4, 2025, voters in Tri-City United Public Schools did not approve a proposed $39.99 million bond referendum aimed at addressing infrastructure needs and improving learning environments across all PreK–12 school buildings.
Unofficial election results are: 926 YES votes (46%) and 1088 NO votes (54%).
The proposal was the result of four years of planning that included engineering assessments, task force recommendations, community-wide surveys, and public forums. It focused on safety, accessibility, modern learning spaces, and facility improvements across the district.
Superintendent Kevin Babcock shared the following statement:
“We are grateful to every community member who took the time to learn about the proposal and participate in this important decision. While this outcome was not what we hoped for, we respect the voice of our voters. Our school buildings belong to our communities, and we remain committed to addressing the current and future needs of our students and schools.”
The district will now take time to review the results, assess feedback, and determine next steps. Ongoing facility needs remain a priority, and TCU leadership will continue to engage the community as we move forward.
WHY NOW AND HOW DOES THIS BENEFIT STUDENTS?
WHY NOW AND HOW DOES THIS BENEFIT STUDENTS?
This plan is the result of a deliberate, transparent, and community-inclusive planning process spanning four years. The result is a proposal that not only addresses critical infrastructure needs but also improves learning spaces that help build strong foundations in problem-solving, teamwork, and real-world opportunities valued in our communities.
WHAT WILL BE ON THE BALLOT?
WHAT WILL BE ON THE BALLOT?
One Question: Bond funds to address PreK-12 building needs
Shall the board of Independent School District No. 2905 (Tri-City United Public Schools), Minnesota, be authorized to issue general obligation school building bonds in an amount not to exceed $39,990,000 for acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities?
If the referendum question totaling $39.99 million is approved, the tax increase for a $300,000 home would be approximately, on average, $5.85 per month for taxes payable in 2026. The cost depends on your property type, location, and value.
The district is timing this bond with expiring debt so new payments take the place of previous payments. This helps keep overall taxes more level and avoids sharp increases from year to year.
📣 Improvements across all PreK–12 school district buildings!
📣 Improvements across all PreK–12 school district buildings!
GUIDED BY
COMMUNITY INPUT
GUIDED BY
COMMUNITY INPUT
Over the past four years, TCU engaged families, staff, and community members through surveys, task forces, and public forums to shape this plan together.
ALL COMMUNITIES
BENEFIT
ALL COMMUNITIES
BENEFIT
The bond would fund improvements across all PreK–12 school district buildings in our communities—ensuring shared benefits district-wide and improvements tailored to each site's specific needs.
ADDRESSING REAL,
URGENT NEEDS
ADDRESSING REAL,
URGENT NEEDS
The referendum targets critical issues like aging infrastructure, safety system concerns, and outdated learning spaces.
MATCHING
COMMUNITY VALUES
MATCHING
COMMUNITY VALUES
From career readiness to safe facilities, this plan reflects what our community told us matters most through the lens of our “All Means All” mission.
FISCAL
RESPONSIBILITY
FISCAL
RESPONSIBILITY
TCU has planned carefully—using retiring debt and state credits to reduce taxpayer impact while addressing facility needs.
FUTURE
FOCUSED
FUTURE
FOCUSED
This plan protects our schools, strengthens our communities, and supports the next generation of learners.
Planned Improvements
Planned Improvements
Focused on improving safety systems, infrastructure, and learning spaces
Focused on improving safety systems, infrastructure, and learning spaces
TCU Le Center PreK-8
TCU Le Center PreK-8
Create collaborative learning commons in underutilized space
Conversion of former computer lab into a flexible classroom
ADA-compliant restroom renovations
Elementary playground enhancements
Replace tennis courts
Roof and exterior door replacements
New fire sprinkler system for safety compliance
Replacement of outdated HVAC units and controls
Flooring, ceiling, painting, and casework updates
Structural repairs and water piping upgrade
Conceptual Rendering
Conceptual Rendering
TCU Le Center PreK-8
Collaborative Learning Commons
🔎 CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE
TCU Lonsdale PreK-6
TCU Lonsdale PreK-6
New 6-classroom addition with learning commons to support increased enrollment (will serve as ICC 500 storm shelter)
Additional mechanical, electrical, and restrooms as part of addition
Elementary playground enhancements
Replacement of aging air chiller and chilled water piping
Conceptual Rendering
Conceptual Rendering
TCU Lonsdale PreK-6 | Classroom Addition
🔎 CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE
TCU Montgomery PreK–8
TCU Montgomery PreK–8
Conversion of aged and underused auditorium into classrooms and shared learning space
Create collaborative learning commons in underutilized space
CTE/FACS * classroom expansion
ADA-compliant restroom renovations
Elementary playground enhancements
Fire alarm system replacement for safety compliance
Roof, window, and exterior door replacements
HVAC upgrades, including rooftop units and shop ventilation improvements
Replacement of outdated electrical panels and switchgear
New acoustical ceilings and updated building controls
New pool cover and deck resurfacing to improve safety and reduce energy costs
Flooring, ceiling, casework, and painting updates
Exterior repairs to stucco, brick, and drainage systems
* Career and Technical Education (CTE) / Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS)
Conceptual Rendering
Conceptual Rendering
TCU Montgomery PreK-8 | Auditorium Conversion
🔎 CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE
TCU High School
TCU High School
Addition to include expanded weight room, additional locker rooms, and secure entrance with athletic offices
Update Career and Technical Education (CTE) equipment
New fire alarm system with voice notification
Floor and Site Plan
Floor and Site Plan
TCU High School | Addition
🔎 CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE
Where are the Investment Dollars Being Spent?
Where are the Investment Dollars Being Spent?
The referendum invests in improvements across all of our PreK–12 schools, benefiting students, families, and communities districtwide. Projects at each location are tailored to the long-term commitment and unique needs of each site.
By Building
By Building
By Scope
By Scope
📣 JOIN US FOR OUR INFORMATIONAL OPEN HOUSE EVENTS!
📣 JOIN US FOR OUR INFORMATIONAL OPEN HOUSE EVENTS!
We’re excited to share more through our upcoming informational events. Learn more and make your plan to vote on or before November 4, 2025. Events will include an opening presentation at 6:30 PM with tours and questions to follow.
Tuesday, October 21
Tuesday, October 21
🕡 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
📍TCU Montgomery PreK-8 Building
Wednesday, October 22
Wednesday, October 22
🕡 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
📍TCU Le Center PreK-8 Building
Monday, October 27
Monday, October 27
🕡 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
📍TCU High School
Tuesday, October 28
Tuesday, October 28
🕡 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
📍TCU Lonsdale PreK-6 Building
Did You Know?
Did You Know?
Things considered when forming this plan
Things considered when forming this plan
Community Populations Projected to Rise
Community Populations Projected to Rise
Our communities are also expected to see steady growth in the coming years.
As our communities expand, the district is planning ahead to ensure schools are ready to serve both current and future students.
Source: Minnesota State Demographic Center (graphic updated 09/10/2025)
Responsible Funding–Only When it's Needed
Responsible Funding–Only When it's Needed
Approximately 70% of Minnesota school districts rely on an operating levy or a technology levy to fund classrooms, staff, and tools.
TCU has neither at this time — choosing instead to ask only when necessary, and only for facilities projects that cannot be funded within the regular budget.
Retiring Debt and State Credits Help Reduce Tax Impact while Addressing Facility Needs
Retiring Debt and State Credits Help Reduce Tax Impact while Addressing Facility Needs
The cost depends on your property type, location, and value. If the referendum question totaling $39.99 million is approved, the tax increase for a $300,000 home would be approximately, on average, $5.85 per month for taxes payable in 2026.
The district is timing this bond with expiring debt so new payments take the place of previous payments. This helps keep overall taxes more level and avoids sharp increases from year to year.
Built on Community Input
Built on Community Input
The School Board’s intent is to bring forward a proposal that reflects a thoughtful balance of community priorities, facility needs, and financial responsibility.
The Work of the Task Force
TCU convened a Facility Task Force twice: first in 2023 with 30 members and again in 2025 with 25 members. The groups included a diverse mix of parents, farmers, educators, students, and business owners from across our communities.
Task Force members toured each school building, reviewed engineering reports and cost estimates, and evaluated long-term solutions that would be both educationally effective and fiscally responsible.
Community-wide Survey
A survey was mailed to every household and promoted through email, social media, and QR codes. TCU received 600 responses, representing a broad cross-section of the community. Key findings from the survey:
Strong support for expanding Lonsdale to relieve overcrowding
Agreement on the need to replace aging systems like HVAC, roofs, and electrical
Emphasis on safety, ADA accessibility, and modern learning environments
Interest in career exploration, hands-on learning, and collaborative spaces
Clear desire for balanced investments across all communities, especially Le Center
Widespread calls for fiscal responsibility and transparency
In-Person Facility Forums
In addition to the task force input and the survey, the district hosted public facility forums in March 2025 in Le Center, Montgomery, and Lonsdale. These events allowed residents to ask questions, discuss priorities, and explore how to balance educational needs with tax impact.
Participants talked openly about what long-term investments would serve students best and how to ensure fairness across all school sites.
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