VOTERS APPROVE BOTH REFERENDUM QUESTIONS!
On Tuesday, May 14, 2024, voters in the Norman County East School District considered a two-question special election addressing security, building repairs, learning spaces, and accessibility.
Following the vote, the unofficial election results are:
Question 1 (GO Bonds for Facility and System Improvements):
354 YES (77%) and 108 NO (23%)
Question 2 (GO Bonds for Learning Environment Improvements):
341 YES (74%) and 122 NO (26%)
“I want to express my sincere appreciation to our community for their active involvement in learning more about the referendum and participating in shaping our school's path forward,” shared NCE Superintendent Rob Nudell. “The passing of the referendum questions reflects our shared commitment to providing the best education and experience for our students, staff, and community. Thank you.”
In the coming weeks, the District will work with our project partner SitelogIQ to begin finalizing the details of the facility improvements. The district will continue to keep the community informed on the progress of these future facility projects.
Norman County East School District will hold a special election on May 14, 2024, seeking voter approval of (2) ballot questions to authorize 20-year general obligation bond funds in an amount not to exceed $7,280,000 for facility and learning environment improvements.
Ballot Questions
SECURITY // BUILDING REPAIRS // LEARNING SPACES // ACCESSIBILITY
Question #1
Building Bonds for Facility and System Improvements
Shall the school board of Independent School District No. 2215 (Norman County East) be authorized to issue its general obligation school building bonds in an amount not to exceed $5,690,000 to provide funds for the acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities, including roof replacement; upgrades to building systems, controls, and heating/ventilation systems at the school site and facility; the acquisition of the furniture, fixtures and equipment; the installation of new exterior doors; upgrades to flooring and finishes; renovations and ADA accessibility updates to restrooms; and the acquisition and installation of replacement windows?
Question #2
Building Bonds for Learning Environment Improvements
If School District Question 1 is approved, shall the school board of Independent School District No. 2215 (Norman County East) also be authorized to issue its general obligation school building bonds in an amount not to exceed $1,590,000 to provide funds for the acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities, including upgrades to career and technical education (CTE) shops and classroom; the acquisition of flexible classroom furniture; the acquisition and installation of new gymnasium bleachers; and the replacement of cafeteria tables?
OPEN HOUSE
INFO NIGHTS
INFO NIGHTS
Join us for an informational open house!
Tour the school, ask questions regarding the May 14, 2024 Referendum questions, and more!
Monday, April 15, 2024
7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. // NCE School
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. // Country Road 38 Bar & Grill // Flom
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. // NCE School
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. // American Legion // Gary
Project Summary
Question #1
Energy Efficiency: Update HVAC and include controls for energy savings.
Roof & Windows: Replace leaking roof and drafty windows.
Facility Updates: Replace damaged classroom and exterior doors with the ability to lock them, address exterior building repairs, and replace worn out flooring.
Floors and Paint: Install vinyl tiles, wood stage floor, and paint the hallways.
System Replacements: Replace water heaters, gym heat pumps, make-up air units, and components on geothermal systems.
Modernization Projects: Improve building security with expanded access control, and upgrade intercom and bell/clock systems.
ADA Compliance: Renovate restrooms and make handicap accessible.
LEARN MORE ➜
Question #2
⚠️ QUESTION #2 CAN ONLY PASS IF QUESTION #1 PASSES ⚠️
⚠️ QUESTION #2 CAN ONLY PASS IF QUESTION #1 PASSES ⚠️
Gym Upgrade: Update bleachers in the gymnasium and make handicap accessible.
Cafeteria Improvement: Replace outdated and broken tables.
CTE Needs: Update Career and Technical Education (CTE) classrooms/shops to prepare students to enter the workforce.
LEARN MORE ➜
Photo Gallery
Explore the photo gallery below by hovering over the photo and clicking the arrows on the left or right side.
How Did We Get Here?
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August 2023
August 2023
Comprehensive Facilities Assessment conducted by SitelogIQ - assess physical, educational, functional needs
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September 2023
September 2023
Facility assessment review is presented to the School Board and district administration
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October 2023
October 2023
District hosts staff listening sessions and
community-wide survey is launched
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November 2023
November 2023
School Board comprehensive review including prioritizations, project scenarios, potential costs
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November 2023
November 2023
School Board workshopping — potential solutions and projects
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May 14, 2024
May 14, 2024
Election Day
Did You Know?
The Building...
Our K-12 building was originally constructed in 1955 with many building items now past their expected lifespan. The building has three total additions added in 1964, 1986, and 1996.
An Opportunity...
If the NCE School District referendum passes on May 14, 2024, the State of Minnesota will pay approximately $3,931,200, which is 54% of the total referendum project, as a result of the Ag2School Tax Credit program.
Our Students...
NCE serves an area of approximately 283 square miles, serving the cities of Gary and Twin Valley, as well as 11 townships.
Your Input...
After considering feedback from the community, administration, and staff, the NCE School Board has selected a project scope that focuses on safeguarding the building's integrity and longevity, while also implementing practical security enhancements.
