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REFERENDUM 2023 RESULTS: COMMUNITY REJECTS BOTH REFERENDUM QUESTIONS

STEWARTVILLE, MN – November 7, 2023

On Tuesday, November 7, 2023, voters in the Stewartville School District rejected both bond referendum questions on the special election ballot. Following the vote, the unofficial election results are: Question 1: 596 YES (26%) and 1683 NO (74%) and Question 2: 480 YES (24%) and 1535 NO (76%).

Despite the results from this referendum, the District remains committed to finding acceptable long-term solutions that benefit our students, staff, and community residents.

“While we are disappointed in the result of this election, we respect the decision made by voters and thank everyone who took this opportunity to make their voice heard,” said Nichol Ramaker, Stewartville School Board Chair. “Our district is committed to continuing to provide our students with a high-quality education.”

Will Welch, Board Facility Team member, added, “The current challenges of our school facilities are not going away and will need to be addressed. We will continue to engage families, students, staff, and community members into the process to determine the best solutions and the next steps for the school district.”

“As we move forward, our focus will not change and will not stop with this setback. The discussions and decisions regarding our facilities have always been about what is best for our students. We will ensure that we will continue to offer a high-quality education,” said Kristy Cook, Board Facility Team member.

Ryan Ravenhorst, also a Board Facility Team member, said, “Based on the current status of district school buildings, in particular Central Education Center, Bonner Elementary, and the Middle and High Schools, future and ongoing investments will be necessary to address the needs of our facilities.”

Superintendent Belinda Selfors explained that the next steps will include a review of options and steps to move forward in resolving the issues related to the district’s facilities. The district will keep the community and staff informed regarding the opportunities to be engaged and involved in the process.

Stewartville Public Schools will hold a special election on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 seeking voter approval of two ballot questions, which if approved, would result in a $62,920,000 bond issue.

The first question would total $55,670,000 and the second question $7,250,000.

The 2023 referendum focuses on three specific areas that were indicated as priorities by the community:

Health and Safety
Space and Capacity
Future Ready Learning

The specific scope of the referendum was developed by the School Board Facilities Committee with input and guidance from:

Community-wide survey
Community, staff and student listening sessions
Original recommendation from the community task force

The scope of the referendum includes items that were identified as high priority items by both yes and no voters during the last referendum. This includes:

Secure entryways at each of the schools
Providing additional instructional space at the Middle and High School
Upgrading educational spaces at the Middle/High School including science rooms, career learning spaces, media center, and creating updated collaborative and project-based learning spaces
Eliminating the use of Central Education Center for both health and safety reasons as well as improving operational cost efficiencies

9 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE NOVEMBER 7 REFERENDUM

BALLOT QUESTION ONE

(QUESTION 2 is contingent on the passing of QUESTION 1, meaning it can only pass if QUESTION 1 passes.)

School Building Bonds for K-2 School Facility, Classrooms and Security

Shall the board of Independent School District No. 534 (Stewartville), Minnesota be authorized to issue general obligation school building bonds in an amount not to exceed $55,670,000 for acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities including, but not limited to, construction of a new K-2 school facility and various improvements throughout the District including new science classrooms at the High School, renovated science, STEM and general purpose classrooms at the Middle School and High School, secure entrances and offices at the Middle School, High School, and Bonner Elementary?

PROJECT SCOPE FOR QUESTION 1

QUESTION 1

School Building Bonds for K-2 School Facility, Classrooms and Security

New K-2 at BCI Site

- New K-2 Building with 24 Classrooms
- Secure Entrances
- New Construction Site Work
- Paving and Sidewalks
- Playgrounds with Poured Rubber Surface

Bonner Elementary

- Secure Front Entry Office Renovation for PreSchool and Tiger Tots
- Secure Entry for District Offices
- ADA Restroom Updates

High School and Middle School

- Separate Secure Entrances for MS and HS
- MS Science and STEAM Classroom Renovations
- New HS Science Classroom Addition
- FACS/Culinary Arts Renovation
- HS and MS Classroom Renovations for general and special education
- Renovate Media Center
- Casework Replacement 1 for 1 throughout both buildings
- Renovate Wrestling Locker Room for ADA Compliance
- Fire Alarm System Upgrade

QUESTION 1: PROPOSED NEW K-2 ELEMENTARY SITE PLAN

QUESTION 1: PROPOSED MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL PLAN

QUESTION 1: PROPOSED BONNER ELEMENTARY PLAN

BALLOT QUESTION TWO

(QUESTION 2 is contingent on the passing of QUESTION 1, meaning it can only pass if QUESTION 1 passes.)

School Building Bonds for a Second Athletic Court, Community Fitness Center, and Weight Room

If School District Question 1 is approved, shall the board of Independent School District No. 534 (Stewartville), Minnesota be authorized to issue general obligation school building bonds of the School District in an amount not to exceed $7,250,000 for acquisition and betterment of school sites and including, but not limited to, construction of a second athletic court at the proposed K-2 facility, a new community fitness center and weight room at the High School, and renovation of the weight room into a classroom at the Middle School?

(QUESTION 2 is contingent on the passing of QUESTION 1, meaning it can only pass if QUESTION 1 passes.)

PROJECT SCOPE FOR QUESTION 2

QUESTION 2

School Building Bonds for a Second Athletic Court, Community Fitness Center, and Weight Room

Additions at New K-2 at BCI Site

- Add an Activities Court with Restrooms and Portable Bleachers

High School and Middle School

- Renovate Weight Room into MS Classroom
- New Community Fitness Center and Weight Room Addition

(QUESTION 2 is contingent on the passing of QUESTION 1, meaning it can only pass if QUESTION 1 passes.)

QUESTION 2: PROPOSED NEW K-2 ELEMENTARY SITE PLAN

QUESTION 2: PROPOSED MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL PLAN

So much of the work that led us to these referendum questions has been a collaborative effort with our staff and community! Visit the district's FACILITY PLANNING website to see the work done over the past several months:

Listening Session Feedback
Community Survey Feedback

We are so grateful to our community members for continuing to be a part of the facility planning process and providing input for the district to consider as we continually strive to provide a quality educational experience for out students!

Learn More About the Facility Planning Process

– ASK A QUESTION –

Submit your own question regarding the 2023 Referendum using the button below.

CLICK HERE TO ASK A QUESTION

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