On Tuesday, November 7, 2023, voters rejected the Deer River Schools referendum question on the special election ballot.
Following the vote, the unofficial election results are: 247 YES (25.26%) and 731 NO (74.74%)
“Despite the results from this election, we remain committed to providing the best possible education for our students, and to finding acceptable long-term solutions that benefit our students, staff, and community. We will continue to engage with Deer River residents to best serve our students and community,” shared Superintendent Pat Rendle.
Rendle continued, “We thank everyone for their time in learning about the referendum and making a plan to vote.”
OUR COMMUNITY. OUR SCHOOLS. OUR STUDENTS.
The Deer River School District calls for a bond election on November 7, 2023 requesting 20-year obligation bond funds not to exceed $24,195,000 for facility and learning environment improvements including upgrades, renovations, and improvements to accessibility, security, mechanical, electrical, roofing, windows, doors, and instructional space.
BALLOT QUESTION
Shall the board of Independent School District No. 317 (Deer River), Minnesota be authorized to issue general obligation school building bonds in an amount not to exceed $24,195,000 for acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities including, but not limited to, upgrades, renovations, and improvements to accessibility, security, mechanical, electrical, roofing, windows, doors, and instructional space?
OPEN HOUSE
INFO NIGHTS
INFO NIGHTS
5:00-7:00 P.M.
Join us for an informational open house! Tour the school, ask questions regarding the November 7, 2023 Referendum question, and more!
October 11, 2023
Deer River High School
101 1st Ave NE
Deer River, MN 56636
October 17, 2023
Deer River High School
101 1st Ave NE
Deer River, MN 56636
THE PROJECTS
Health, Safety, and Security
Build a safe and secure entryway addition.
Install a new ventilation and cooling system.
Upgrade security cameras at both schools.
Replace bells, clocks, and intercom system.
Replace the fire alarm system.
Remodel restrooms and locker rooms to be ADA compliant.
Learning Environments
Update and remodel the existing Career and Technical Education (CTE) space.
Build a dedicated music addition.
Remodel science labs.
Relocate the district office and media center to create a 6th grade learning community.
Upgrade classroom furniture.
Upgrade technology infrastructure.
Upgrade outdated lighting fixtures to LED.
Building Improvements
Upgrade outdated electrical systems.
Replace leaking roof systems at both schools.
Seal building envelope to minimize air and water leakage.
Install new entrance canopies.
Replace exterior doors and windows.
Repair building exterior including small block, masonry, and tuckpointing.
Replace all 1968 to 1978 water fixtures and plumbing, including hot water heaters.
Replace flooring including the west gym flooring, weight room floors, vinyl tiles, ceramic floors and carpets.
Replace acoustical ceiling tiles that are non-repairable.
Repair sidewalks and concrete.
CONCEPTUAL FLOOR PLANS
CLICK TO VIEW ▼
Maintaining School Infrastructure
Maintaining school infrastructure is crucial for safety, quality education, community engagement, and efficient operations. It extends facility lifespan, ensures compliance, and supports environmental responsibility, benefiting students, staff, and the community for many years to come.
Community Pride
Strong schools equals strong communities. Making Deer River Schools a top priority is key to our community's economic success. When we invest in schools, we help create jobs and opportunities for all residents. By giving schools the resources they need to improve, we can make sure that our students receive the best education needed to prepare them for future careers. When we focus on schools, we are building a strong foundation for a successful future for the community of Deer River.
Diversity and Inclusion
At Deer River Schools, one of our goals is to promote cultural diversity among our students, staff, and community. We are dedicated to diversity and include indigenous traditions, perspectives, history, and culture in all subjects. We pride ourselves in encouraging and inspiring cultural awareness and celebrate everyone's heritage on a daily basis.
Fiscal Responsibility
Deer River Schools currently has no voter-approved operating levy in place. This is the case for only 30% of school districts in Minnesota.
THE PROCESS
AUG. 2022
Comprehensive Facilities Assessment conducted by SitelogIQ to assess physical, educational, and functional needs
NOV. 2022
The Community Engagement process begins and the Community Facility Advisory Committee is formed
DEC. 2022
Facility Assessment Review is presented to the school board and District administration
FEB. 2023
Comprehensive Review including prioritizations, project scenarios, and potential costs is presented to the school board and administration
FEB. 2023
Community Facility Advisory Committee delivers a report providing facility recommendations and top priorities.
APR. 2023
School Board begins workshopping potential facility solutions and projects
JUL. 2023
The School Board passes a resolution committing to move forward with a November 7, 2023 Referendum
NOV . 2023
Referendum election
DID YOU KNOW?
Community Feedback
To ensure future facility decisions make sense for students and staff, are fiscally responsible, and have community support, the Deer River School Board requested that a Community Advisory Committee be formed to focus on school facilities and to provide insight and input as the board plans for the future of our schools.
Over the course of four months, the Community Advisory Committee, composed of roughly 14 volunteer community members, invested approximately 18 hours of their time doing the following:
Gathering input from ideation sessions held with Deer River students, staff, and administration.
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.
We are extremely grateful for our community members and their time and dedication in providing feedback for the district as we continually strive to provide the best educational experience for our students!
PHOTO GALLERY
Explore the photo gallery below by hovering over the photo and clicking the arrows on the left or right side.