School referendums pass and fail across area – ABC 6 News

(ABC 6 News) – Seven school districts in southeastern Minnesota and northern Iowa asked voters to approve referendums on Election Day.

In Rochester, it was a second attempt by the district to secure much-needed funding. But unlike 2023, when Rochester Public Schools sought approval for a technology levy, RPS wants one this year an operating levywhich can be used for a wider range of daily expenses.

The levy would provide the district with $19.4 million annually for 10 years, subject to increasing annually at the rate of inflation. This would increase funding to $1,133 per student.

The referendum was passed with 57% of voters in favor.

Chief Inspector Dr. Kent Pekel made a statement on the success of the referendum, saying:

“Community approval of the Ignite Student Learning Referendum will allow Rochester Public Schools (RPS) to avoid closing schools, increasing class sizes, and making major cuts to functions and programs that serve our students. It will provide RPS with the financial stability we need to continue our ambitious strategic plan and remain focused on our academic mission. Most importantly, it is an investment in our students that will pay off in the skilled workforce Rochester needs to thrive for decades to come. We look forward to providing the community with regular updates on how the referendum funds are being used, and we will work hard to continue to earn and strengthen the trust the community has placed in us through the approval of the referendum on November 5, 2024 . ”

Byron Schools asked voters to approve an operating levy of $1.9 million per year for ten years, which would increase funding by $800 per student. This was rejected with 58% of votes against the referendum.

This district says this will force it to increase class sizes, reduce student support services, eliminate course offerings and reduce or eliminate extracurricular programs.

Voters rejected Dover-Eyotas operating levy to increase funding by $950 per student, with 64% of voters opposing the referendum.

According to the district’s website, the failure of the levy means it will have to cut $400-$500,000 in expenses for the 2025-2026 school year, including cutting staff and eliminating certain athletics/activities programs.

Fillmore Central asked voters to replace the current $292.15 per student referendum with a $1,127 per student referendum. This failed: 58% of voters rejected the new tax.

The district’s website states that a failed referendum means class sizes will increase, classroom support positions will be eliminated, programs will be eliminated, bus routes will change and/or additional fees will be implemented.

Kingsland public schools had two referendum questions on the ballot, the second of which could only pass if the first was also passed.

The first question asked for a maximum of $8.9 million for building maintenance improvements, while the second asked for a maximum of $11.5 million for a new gym, locker rooms and exercise equipment. Voters answered ‘yes’ to the first question, but ‘no’ to the second.

In Iowa, the two local school referendums were both successful.

Voters approved it Garner-Hayfield-Ventura Community schools are holding a referendum to upgrade HVAC equipment and security at the high school entrance, among other repairs, up to $21.4 million. This was passed with 67% of the votes.

Westvork’s The bond referendum also passed with 63% of the vote, approving repairs to HVAC systems, roofs and water lines, amounting to $16.8 million.