MAS Clarifies Facts in Bond Referendum

As the November 4 bond referendum approaches, Minnewaska Area Schools is providing comprehensive factual information about the bond referendum.

The district is committed to providing accurate information based on official sources, documents and independent financial analyses. The district responds below to claims made in recent campaign materials and it is important for every voter to have factual information about the $25 million bond referendum to make an informed vote.

10 KEY FACTS REGARDING THE BOND REFERENDUM:
TAX IMPACT:
For a $200,000 home, the annual increase is $45 ($3.75/month), based on the official Ehlers tax impact analysis prepared for the referendum. Even with bond approval, Minnewaska will maintain the lowest total school property taxes among neighboring districts.

AGRICULTURAL TAX CREDIT:
Agricultural property receives a 70% reduction through the state School Building Bond Agricultural Credit (Minnesota Statute 126C.55). For example, agricultural land valued at $5,000 per acre would see an annual increase of approximately $0.20 per acre.

BOND TERM:
The preliminary financing plan includes a 21-year term, which is standard for school construction bonds and keeps annual costs affordable.

INTEREST COSTS:
If voters approve the $25 million in bond authority, the interest rate will be determined after the sale of the bond. This is a competitive bid process based on current market conditions. The district is required by Minnesota law to accept the lowest interest rate bid.

CHILDCARE INVESTMENT:
The childcare facility leverages $1 million from Pope County and a potential $1.875 million USDA Rural Development grant. The district’s bond portion is $2.5 million (10% of the total). This addresses a documented workforce crisis, with 78% of Pope County businesses reporting that childcare availability impacts their operations. The current facility in Starbuck operates at 50% capacity for infant through pre-K care, not including the available spots for school-age care since this age group is served by the district’s Laker Legends programming. Community surveys, demographics and historical data show the greatest demand for childcare is in Glenwood, where the new facility would be located.

COMMUNITY WELLNESS FACILITY:
The community wellness construction budget is $5 million, representing 18.7% of the total project budget. An additional $2.06 million is allocated to the fitness portion of the facility which includes space for rehabilitation and the school weight room due to the planned expansion of the CTE wing.
The April 2025 community survey showed support at 31% high priority + 27% medium priority. The facility will serve students for academics and activities during school hours.

PROJECT PRIORITIZATION:
The district identified approximately $45 million in facility needs but prioritized projects within the $25 million level that the community survey indicated voters could support. Projects included in the referendum are those that cannot be funded through regular operating budgets, such as HVAC system replacement ($3.6 million), parking lot reconstruction ($1.8 million), and major security improvements. Smaller-scale projects like ADA restroom updates can be addressed through existing capital planning budgets.

SECURITY IMPROVEMENTS:
The referendum includes $2.8 million (11% of total) for security enhancements, focusing on the highest-priority improvements identified through security assessments: secure building entrances at both schools ($2.1 million) and parking lot reconfiguration to separate bus and vehicle traffic. These improvements require construction that cannot be accomplished without bond financing. Zone lockdown systems can be addressed with existing funding sources as technology upgrades should the need become a higher priority in the future.

MEDIA CENTER:
Both media centers will be updated to 21st-century learning spaces with technology integration and flexible learning environments. The high school media center is receiving the larger emphasis with a major renovation, while the elementary media center will receive important updates and improvements.

CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION (CTE) EXPANSION:
The referendum includes foundational CTE wing improvements and growth. The district is having ongoing conversations with interested community partners about additional expansion commitments that could enhance our CTE offerings. These improvements build on existing partnerships that provide internships and donated materials for classroom instruction.

COMPLETE TRANSPARENCY:
The district has published the complete plan and source documents at www.minnewaska.k12.mn.us/bond-vote, including how the community feedback shaped the proposal, detailed project breakdowns, and tax impact calculators. This district’s role is to provide factual and accurate information so our community can make an informed decision.

VOTING INFORMATION:
Early and Absentee Voting:
Now Through November 3, 2025
Minnewaska Area Schools District Office, Door #1
Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
All absentee ballots must be turned in by 8 p.m. on election night, Tuesday, Nov. 4, to the District Office. Pope County Courthouse will not accept absentee ballots.

Election Day:
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
Pope County Courthouse
7 a.m. – 8 p.m.
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.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Questions about the bond referendum can be directed to the district business office at 320-239-4800 or by visiting: www.minnewaska.k12.mn.us/bond-vote/