Ag2School Tax Credit Program

• If the ballot question is passed, the State of Minnesota will pay 59% of the total cost of the referendum project through the Ag2School Credit Program, or $14.75 million of the $25 million bond amount.

• All agricultural property owners will automatically receive a 70% credit on their property tax bills. 

• Over 80% of CGB residents are involved in agriculture.

Community Input

To ensure future facility decisions make sense for students, are fiscally responsible, and have community support, the CGB School Board requested that a Community Advisory Committee be formed to focus on CGB facilities and to provide insight and input as the board plans for the future of our schools.

From May to June 2023, the Community Advisory Committee, composed of 25 volunteer community members who represented a cross section of the community, met five weeks in a row, investing approximately 14 hours of their time doing the following:

• Gathering community voice and input from the District community-wide survey.

• Extensively touring both schools.

• Examining facility engineering assessments.

• Learning about Minnesota school financing, the District’s current financial position, and funding options from the District’s financial consultant.

• Studying district demographics and enrollment information.

• Reviewing facility improvement options.

The Community Advisory Group wrote the following statement:

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After much thought and consideration, the task force is excited to present the clear majority consensus of a single school in Graceville. We anticipate this will include a pre-K space, an elementary, likely in the remodeled current building, a high school space, secure entrances, space devoted to CTE as well as continuing to utilize the current gym and add an additional competition gym. This accounts for the necessary roof replacements and upgrades to be ADA compliant.

Our recommendation is for a $25 million dollar bond to fund this investment into facilities. Investing into a 20-year bond like this is crucial for maintaining long-term viability of our district. It is with a heavy heart and mind that we recommend to close the Clinton school location, with the goal of a stronger school district. We are hopeful for the future as we believe this plan meets the arts, academic, and athletic needs of our students for years to come.

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We are extremely grateful for our community members and their time and dedication in providing feedback and input for the district to consider as we continually strive to provide the best educational experience for our students!

Fiscal Responsibility

• Fixing current infrastructure issues (heating & ventilation, roof, plumbing, electrical, etc.) at Clinton Elementary (built 1940, addition 1954) is estimated to cost $13.5-$15.5 million. This would not have included any updating to the brickwork, building structure, or windows, which would need to be addressed within the next 5 years.

• If CGB combines school buildings and upgrades utilities at the existing high school, the District will see a utility cost savings of $20,000-$30,000 per year.