The district has been a good steward of taxpayer resources and has been working to address routine maintenance as it arises.  However, when equipment age is beyond its intended life expectancy, it is more cost effective to replace it with updated and more efficient systems.  That time has come for much of the equipment in our schools.  Additionally, changes and advances in education require a different approach to teaching and learning today and we need to ensure that our facilities are up to date to meet the changing needs of teachers and students.

While the School Board began discussing Strategic Planning in January of 2020, it was in the Fall of 2020, as a result of input from the community and staff, that District leadership recognized the need to focus their Strategic Planning work on our current facilities.  As a result of this community and staff input, the District partnered with SitelogIQ who conducted a comprehensive facility assessment study, from the rooftops to the pavement.  This comprehensive study included information about the life expectancy of the current equipment and infrastructure including indoor air quality, temperature and humidity, lighting, acoustics, and utility usage.  Results from the study were presented to the school board in May of 2021.  It was during this study that it was determined that several infrastructure needs should be addressed. Recognizing the importance of updating the aging facilities and creating an efficient and complete scope of work, the school board worked internally and with SitelogIQ to arrive at the current scope of planning.   

In July of 2021, the School Board, using their legislative-approved Board Authority, approved a resolution to proceed with updating the Health and Safety infrastructure (Long Term Facility Maintenance (LTFM) plan) needs that were identified including improving the air quality by installing a new heating, cooling and ventilation systems which will include dehumidification throughout the entire facility. The State of Minnesota expects boards to use this authority to take care of basic needs for the functioning of buildings and the health and safety of students and staff.

Numerous studies show that a healthy, efficient, and comfortable educational environment has a direct impact on student achievement. This referendum addresses several environmental issues in the current school buildings, including heating systems, air conditioning, temperature control, air quality and ventilation, lighting, and sound - all of which contribute to a better environment for teaching and learning.

In August of 2021, the School Board also approved a referendum resolution, which is the official action needed to place a bond referendum question on the November 2nd, 2021, Special Election ballot. There will be two questions that all registered district residents will have the opportunity to vote on.

Question #1 on the November 2nd ballot is to continue the current Technology Levy that was approved six years ago and is expiring after this year.  This levy provides a dedicated source of technology funding for our school district.  If approved by voters, these dedicated funds would continue to provide our students and staff with the support and technology infrastructure needed to maximize classroom learning as well as continue with safety and security in our buildings. Because this would be a renewal of the current technology levy that is in place – there would be no additional tax impact.

Because this would be a renewal of the current technology levy that is in place – there would be no additional tax impact.

The bond project is primarily focused on repurposing and reimagining the learning environments and takes fiscal advantage of being completed with other already scheduled infrastructure projects.

Details of the project plans include:

• ADA-accessibility improvements to existing restrooms in the secondary building 
• The construction and equipping of an early childhood center, storm shelter, and outdoor projects yard at the elementary school 
• Remodeling and improvements to the existing elementary school library and computer lab 
• Remodeling and improvements to create learning communities at the elementary school 
• The remodeling and equipping of the elementary school special education suite, the addition of a sensory room at that site, subdividing existing elementary classrooms to create smaller classrooms and break- out areas 
• The construction and equipping of a learning commons in the secondary building 
• The remodeling and equipping of the media center, staff lounge, career and technical education spaces 
• The construction and equipping of a new cafeteria and storm shelter at the secondary school building 
• Remodeling and improvements to create a culinary arts learning space with break-out areas 
• Renovations to the existing science lab to create classrooms and storage areas. 
• Upgrades and improvements to lighting, boilers, water distribution systems, the central clock and public address system 
• The construction of roofing repairs and improvements at the elementary school and auditorium 

The school district and Ehlers, the district financial advisor, have provided tax impact information for Question #2 on the Referendum 2021 website: https://www.isd743.org/Page/2800

Anytime significant renovation work is completed, there are efficiencies and cost savings in completing several projects at once. For instance, when heating and ventilating systems are updated, often the ceilings in classrooms must be removed to access and replace the associated mechanical systems. While the ceiling is already removed, projects to update electrical and lighting infrastructure can be done at a lower cost as opposed to coming back and doing this later. In addition, construction cost inflation only continues to increase each year.

The Minnesota Ag2School Tax Credit is a great benefit to the members of the Sauk Centre agriculture community. This tax credit reduces taxes for agricultural property owners on existing and future school building bonds. Ag2School is a 60% automatic tax credit (for property taxes payable in 2022) provided to all agricultural property. By law, the tax credit is scheduled to increase to 70% for property taxes payable in 2023 and thereafter. The total impact of the Ag2School credit will result in the State of Minnesota paying a significant portion of the total bond project cost. Learn more > https://www.isd743.org/Page/2800

Project scheduling logistics are currently being worked on. Many variables affect the timing of completion when considering all buildings will have work being completed. Items that need to be considered include contractor availability, storage for classroom furniture and equipment, and new equipment and material lead times.

The community made investments in new schools for students decades ago. Now is the time to reinvest to maintain this important community asset. Our students are our future. Investing in their success is key to the vitality of our community. The district is focused on responsible growth and on quality services provided to students and families. Quality schools stimulate local businesses as well as contribute to population growth and sustainability.

Separate line-item accounting records must be kept for all bond related expenses to ensure the funds are being used legally and appropriately. The School District's finances are audited annually including the use of referendum funds. The referendum project expenses would be a part of the annual audit until all funds are spent.

No, you must be a resident and live in the district to vote.

Call:  320-352-2258
Contact:  Pat Westby, Superintendent
Email: patrick.westby@isd743.org
Referendum website:  https://www.isd743.org/ref21
Facebook: www.facebook.com/saukcentreschools
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SCMainstreeters

Yes, two public meetings or open houses are currently schedule for:

Information/Open House #1:
Thursday, September 30th
5:00-7:30 PM
HS Cafeteria

Information/Open House #2:
Tuesday, October 12th
5:00-8:00 PM
HS Cafeteria

Come any time during the night to hear about the project, ask questions, and take a tour.

The vote will take place on Tuesday, November 2, 2021. Polls will be open 7:00am – 8:00pm. 

Combined polling location:
Sauk Centre City Hall
320 Oak Street South
Sauk Centre, Minnesota 56378

This combined polling place serves all territory located in Independent School District No. 743 located in Pope, Steams and Todd Counties, Minnesota.

Any eligible voter residing in the school district may vote at said election at the polling place or combined polling place designated above for the precinct in which he or she resides.

A voter must be registered to vote to be eligible to vote in this election. An unregistered individual may register to vote at the polling place on election day.

VOTE EARLY
You can vote early with an absentee ballot at the Sauk Centre Public Schools District Office located at 903 State Road, until Monday, November 1, 2021 at 4:00pm. Early voting hours are Monday - Friday from 7:30am - 4:00pm. If you are not registered, you can do so in person if you show proof of residence.

Learn more about absentee voting:
https://www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/other-ways-to-vote/vote-early-by-mail/

Learn more about voting in Minnesota:
Learn more about voting and how to register > https://www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/register-to-vote/