'No' Voters Crush MN School District's Request For $462 Million

WOODBURY, MN — Voters overwhelmingly rejected a referendum from South Washington County Schools that asked for $462,660,000 to go to school expansions.

More than 65 percent of voters rejected the request. A total of 14,834 people voted "No," while 7,782 voted "Yes."

The school board said the new funds were needed for the construction of two elementary schools, the expansion of three high schools, improvements to facilities districtwide, and plus additional land acquisition.

According to the district, in the next 10 years, 8,000 new homes and more than 3,500 new K-12 students are expected to move into the area. Several schools are already at overcapacity, officials said.

Here's the question that voters in Independent School District No. 833 were given on Tuesday's primary ballot:

Shall the board of Independent School District No. 833 (South Washington County Schools), Minnesota be authorized to issue general obligation school building bonds in an amount not to exceed $462,660,000 for acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities including, but not limited to, construction of two elementary schools, expansion of three high schools, improvements to facilities districtwide and land acquisition?

The district plans to put another referendum on the ballot in 2023.

In the meantime, in order to meet growing student demand, the district said it will explore using temporary portable trailers at some school sites.

"We are lucky to be in a growing community but we are now in a place where we must make more difficult decisions," said Superintendent Julie Nielsen in a statement following the election.

"All options are on the table as we look to modify the existing plan and address the student growth where it is occurring in the district."