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Red Wing Public Schools
Thoughtfully investing in
students, learning, and the future of
Red Wing Public Schools.
On November 3, 2026, Red Wing Public Schools will ask voters to consider one question on the ballot.
On November 3, 2026, Red Wing Public Schools will ask voters to consider one question on the ballot.
The proposal includes a building bond for improvements at Sunnyside Elementary and a capital projects levy to support ongoing investments in facilities, curriculum, and technology.
The proposal includes a building bond for improvements at Sunnyside Elementary and a capital projects levy to support ongoing investments in facilities, curriculum, and technology.
What's on the Ballot?
What's on the Ballot?
One Question. Two Funding Tools.
One Question. Two Funding Tools.
Building Improvements
Building Improvements
Funded through a $12.86 million bond
Funded through a $12.86 million bond
Renovations and improvements at Sunnyside Elementary
Dedicated PreK and Kindergarten learning spaces
Building systems, safety, and accessibility improvements
Technology & Capital Needs
Technology & Capital Needs
Funded through a 10-year capital projects levy
Funded through a 10-year capital projects levy
Technology and instructional equipment
Curriculum and educational resources
Ongoing facility and capital needs
See Project Details [ click to view ] ⟱
See Project Details [ click to view ] ⟱
Modernize and renovate Sunnyside Elementary School, including creating dedicated pre-kindergarten and kindergarten classrooms and improving spaces for special education, Head Start, and student support services.
Replace and upgrade aging building systems, including HVAC, mechanical, electrical, fire alarm, windows, restrooms, and accessibility features.
Update furniture, fixtures, finishes, and equipment throughout the building.
Construct a new early childhood playground.
See Project Details [ click to view ] ⟱
See Project Details [ click to view ] ⟱
Invest in district technology, including computers, networks, software, technology infrastructure, and instructional technology.
Provide updated curriculum materials, textbooks, and other educational resources.
Support ongoing facility, technology, and equipment needs to help maintain relevant, safe, secure, and effective learning environments.
Official Ballot Question [ click to view ] ⟱
Official Ballot Question [ click to view ] ⟱
Approval of Bond Issue and Capital Project Levy Authorization
The school board of Independent School District No. 256 (Red Wing Schools) has proposed a project for the acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities, including renovations, remodeling, upgrades and improvements to the Sunnyside Elementary School, including the installation of a new fire alarm system, the creation of pre-kindergarten and kindergarten learning spaces, repurposing the existing cafeteria to create a multi-purpose large motor room, and remodeling the central building corridor to create an art room, cafeteria, Head Start room and special education learning spaces; the construction and installation of mechanical, HVAC and electrical infrastructure improvements; the acquisition and installation of replacement windows; the remodeling and upgrading of restrooms, including ADA accessibility improvements, at school sites and facilities; upgrades to casework, flooring and finishes; the acquisition and installation of furniture, fixtures and equipment; and the construction and installation of a new early childhood playground; acquisition, installation, replacement, support and maintenance of software, educational software, software licenses, computers, improved technology equipment, networks, infrastructure, the costs of technology related personnel and training; the acquisition of curriculum, textbooks and materials; deferred maintenance costs, utility services costs and other capital revenue purposes. To provide funds for a portion of the project costs, the school board has proposed to issue general obligation school building bonds in an amount not to exceed $12,860,000. To provide funds for the remaining portion of the project costs, the school board has proposed a capital project levy authorization in the amount of 2.881% times the net tax capacity of the school district. The proposed capital project levy will raise approximately $1,500,000 for taxes payable in 2027, the first year it is to be levied, and would be authorized for ten (10) years. The estimated total cost of the projects to be funded by the capital project levy authorization is approximately $15,000,000. The projects to be funded have received a positive review and comment from the Commissioner of Education.
This Proposal Will...
This Proposal Will...
Better align programs and grade levels
Better align programs and grade levels
Bring PreK and Kindergarten together in one location to strengthen early learning opportunities.
Keep Early Childhood Family Education, Head Start, and Special Education programs connected.
Organize schools around natural stages of learning.
Create dedicated learning communities:
Early Learning (PreK-K), Primary (1-3), Intermediate (4-6), and Middle School/High School (7-8/9-12).
Proposed Learning Communities
[ when viewing on smartphone – use your finger to scroll table]
What are Learning Communities?
A learning community brings together students at similar stages of learning and development so schools can provide age-appropriate instruction, support, and opportunities for success.
Make thoughtful, efficient long-term use of district resources
Make thoughtful, efficient long-term use of district resources
Better utilize available space across the district.
Support efficient operations by aligning programs and staff.
Focus district resources where they have the greatest impact on students.
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How was this proposal developed and how does it benefit RWPS in the future?
How was this proposal developed and how does it benefit RWPS in the future?
Over the past year, the Board studied ways to strengthen early learning opportunities while listening to families, staff, childcare providers, and community members. Through that process, it became clear that improving early learning also created an opportunity to better organize district facilities, improve operational efficiency, and position the district for the future.
How does this make Red Wing Schools better five, ten, or twenty years from now?
While the proposal includes changes to some grade levels and district facilities, those changes are part of a larger vision: strengthening learning opportunities, organizing schools around natural stages of learning, and making thoughtful, long-term use of district resources.
The Cost
The Cost
The proposal is estimated to have a tax impact of approximately $9 per month for a median-value home in the district.
See the projected tax impact through easy-to-read charts, summaries, and online calculators.
Tax Calculators
Tax Calculators
Calculate your residential, agricultural, and commercial / industrial property tax by using the online calculators.
Tax Impact Summary
Tax Impact Summary
View the Summary of Referendum Tax Impact provided by the District Financial Advisor.
Residential
Tax Impact
Residential
Tax Impact
Agricultural
Tax Impact
Agricultural
Tax Impact
Do You Own Ag Land?
Do You Own Ag Land?
If you own agricultural land and the referendum were to pass, you would receive the Minnesota Ag2School Tax Credit.
The Ag2School Tax Credit is an automatic 70% property tax credit for owners of agricultural land, reducing the burden for agricultural property owners on existing and future school building bonds without increasing the burden for non-agriculture tax payers.
The Ag2School Tax Credit bill was passed through bipartisan support and is in State Statute.
If the referendum is successful, the Ag2School Tax Credit will result in the State of Minnesota paying approximately 5% of the district’s debt payments for the bond. This represents about $643,000 of the $12,860,000 bond amount.
If the referendum is successful, the Ag2School Tax Credit will result in the State of Minnesota paying approximately 5% of the district’s debt payments for the bond. This represents about $643,000 of the $12,860,000 bond amount.
Estimated tax impact of the referendum provided by District financial consultant Ehlers Public Finance Advisors.
Election Day Voting
Election Day Voting
Election Day:
Election Day:
When: Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Time: 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM
When: Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Time: 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Where is my polling place?
Where is my polling place?
If you are not sure where to vote on election day, please visit the website below:
Other Ways to Vote:
Other Ways to Vote:
In-Person Absentee Voting:
In-Person Absentee Voting:
Begins Friday, September 18, 2026
Early in-person voting for the election begins Friday, September 18, 2026 and ends Monday, November 2, 2026.
By Mail Absentee Voting:
By Mail Absentee Voting:
Begins Friday, September 18, 2026
Voters may download an Absentee Ballot Application on the Minnesota Secretary of State website:
NEW! Early Voting:
NEW! Early Voting:
Begins Friday, October 16, 2026
"Early Voting" will be available for the first time in 2026 – similar to voting in a polling place on Election Day.
Learn More about the Proposal
Learn More about the Proposal
Watch for MORE!
Watch for MORE!
In the months ahead, the district will share additional resources to help community members learn more about the proposal. These will include:
A community mailer sent to all households
Printed resources, social media, and videos explaining the proposal
Community open house events... and more!
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