Addressing Our Community’s Childcare Crisis Through Partnership

Our mission to Engage Every Student, Every Day begins even before kindergarten. This bond referendum offers an opportunity to address our region’s critical childcare shortage through an innovative public-private partnership.

Our community needs approximately 100 additional childcare slots. Working families struggle to find quality care, impacting our entire regional economy when parents can’t work due to lack of childcare.

The proposed childcare addition represents a unique collaboration:

• Pope County has committed $1 million in matching funds
• We’re positioned to receive a $1.8 million USDA grant
• Private business partners are contributing additional support
• The bond referendum would provide the remaining funding needed

A childcare facility attached to our elementary campus in Glenwood, would create natural connections with our early childhood programs. It’s about beginning our engagement with students from their earliest years, setting the foundation for lifelong learning. This in addition to space available at the Starbuck campus create opportunities this county needs.

When parents have reliable childcare, they can fully participate in our workforce. Businesses can attract and retain employees. Our entire community becomes stronger.

Research shows quality early childhood experiences lead to better educational outcomes and stronger communities. By starting our engagement early, we’re setting every child up for success while addressing a critical need in our community.

Discover more about this community partnership, review tax implications, and find where to vote at www.minnewaska.k12.mn.us/bond-vote or attend our Open Q&A Sessions.

Open Q&A Sessions

• Monday, October 13, 4 p.m., Minnewaska High School Cafeteria
• Monday, October 13, 6 p.m., Minnewaska High School Cafeteria

Early & Absentee Voting:
Now – November 3, Monday – Friday 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Minnewaska Area Schools District Office, Door #1
*Voting will not be available on October 16 or 17
All absentee ballots must be turned in by 8 p.m. on election night, Nov. 4, to the District Office. Pope County Courthouse will not accept absentee ballots.

Election Day:
Tuesday, November 4 – 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Pope County Courthouse
Please note: This special election is a combined polling place between the MAS District and the Pope County Courthouse, which differs from the past special election.

Chip Rankin, Superintendent