Lake of the Woods Referendum Building Excellence Logo

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What are Lake of the Woods School’s building and facility needs?

    Lake of the Woods School was originally built in 1991 and is now 33 years old. Subsequent additions were completed in 1997 to provide a multipurpose room, community pool, and other athletic-related updates.

    Overall, the building has been well maintained, with consistent investments helping to maximize its current conditions. The facility condition assessment pointed to critical systems and areas that need further investment:

    Safety & Traffic Flow 

      • The district is concerned about pedestrian safety with our current traffic flow in and out of the parking lot.

      • There is a need to separate staff and student pick-up and drop-off locations.

    Deferred Maintenance

      • The roof needs to be resurfaced due to normal aging and conditions.

      • The school’s original metal-clad exterior windows need replacement due to worn or inoperative hardware, sun weathering, deformation due to structural movement, or rotting from being repeatedly frozen while wet.

      • Concrete walking surfaces are significantly deteriorating due to age, creating cracking that impacts individual safety and accessibility to the building.

      • Flooring throughout the facility’s corridors and select rooms consists of vinyl composite tile (VCT) and rubber wall base that was installed as part of the original construction. Over the past 30 years, the annual routine waxing process has slowly worn away the VCTs surface to show the adhesive patterns of the backing. In addition, normal shrinkage and movement of the building have caused some joints to widen and tiles to crack.

    Infrastructure

      • In limited areas around the facility, there is evidence of deterioration of mortar joints and sealed joints. Failure to minimize moisture penetrations into these joints will lead to rapid deterioration due to freeze-thaw cycles and further degradation of the masonry wall.

    Safety & Traffic Flow, Deferred Maintenance, and Infrastructure

    What are Lake of the Woods School’s technology and capital projects needs?

    Access to technology is absolutely critical for our students to prepare for the opportunities and challenges of the 21st century. We are proud of the fact that our students are able to integrate technology into their daily academic experience. 

    Without additional revenue, however, Lake of the Woods School will not be able to maintain the same technology and curriculum tools and resources that are currently being provided, such as:

      • Student and staff technology devices
          • All high school students are provided with a school-issued device to use both at school and home

          • All elementary school students have access to a device in their classrooms

          • Teachers and staff are issued laptops on a replacement schedule to use for teaching and learning

      • Classroom learning and teacher training

      • Reliable internet access and fiber connectivity

      • Technology infrastructure and software licenses

      • Paying the salaries of our technology staff and the cost of training

    Most importantly, revenue is needed to sustain the use of  tools that address security and vulnerability online use for our students. It is critical that we continue to ensure a digitally safe space for student learning.

    What process has the district used to evaluate these needs?

    The district began its facilities study process in August 2023, authorizing a focused facility condition assessment of our building. The purpose of the assessment was to create a plan to address maintenance and improvements to school facilities, prioritize long- and short-term projects, and identify opportunities to enhance learning environments. 

    What input did the community provide on these needs through the recent survey?

    The district and board surveyed our community in early summer 2024. A total of 278 community members provided input on the district’s building, facility, and capital projects needs and how they could be best addressed. Below are key takeaways from the survey:

      • More than 91% of respondents were very or somewhat familiar with the district’s facility needs.

      • 80% agreed or strongly agreed that the district’s building and facility maintenance needs must be addressed now.

      • 70% would definitely or probably support a building bond referendum on the November 2024 ballot.

      • 68% would definitely or probably support a $4 million building bond referendum question to address some of the most urgent building and facility needs.

      • 64% agreed or strongly agreed that they would vote “yes” on a $400,000 capital project levy question to address some of the most urgent needs as identified by the district.

    Community survey results graphic

    What is the proposed solution to address these needs?

    State funding formula has not kept up with inflation, creating a funding gapOn Tuesday, November 5, 2024, our community will vote on two questions: a capital project levy and and a building bond referendum. If these measures are approved, the district will move forward on a series of projects to address our most pressing facility and building needs. 

    Question #1 proposes a capital project levy authorization of 5.05% times the net tax capacity of the school district. This would raise about $400,000 in 2025 and would continue for 10 years, totaling around $4 million.

    The district would use these funds for the following purposes:

      • Buying and maintaining software, computers, and other technology

      • Hiring and training technology staff

      • Purchasing new school buses and other transportation vehicles

      • Purchasing new curriculum, textbooks, and materials

    The projects to be funded have received a positive review and comment from the Commissioner of Education.

    Question #2 would authorize the district to issue general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $4 million to provide funds for key improvement projects, including: 

      • Improving and maintaining school buildings and sites

      • Enhancing safety and security

      • Improving traffic flow

      • Completing various delayed maintenance projects, such as roof repairs, fixing exterior walls, and improving flooring.

    How would this impact property taxes?

    An approved capital project levy would have an estimated impact of $87 per year (or $7.25 per month) on a home with an assessed value of $200,000 in our community. An approved building bond referendum would have an estimated impact of $45 per year (or $3.75 per month) on a home with an assessed value of $200,000.

    If both questions are approved this November, the total estimated impact of $132 per year (or $11 per month) on a home with an assessed value of $200,000.

    For more details on the estimated tax impact based on the value of your property, please visit this link. An online property tax calculator is available here. 

    Second lowest school property taxes compared to our neighbors

    What is a capital project levy?

    A capital project levy allows Minnesota school districts to generate additional revenue for technology and capital projects, with the revenue provided through local property tax levies. A capital project levy has a maximum length of 10 years, and revenue may only be used for items consistent with language presented on a ballot.

    Approving a capital project levy would allow the district to invest in technology, transportation, safety, and security with  a dedicated funding source . This would free up other general fund resources to help the district maintain small classes and student programming.

    When is election day?

    Election day is Tuesday, November 5, 2024. This is the general election date in the state of Minnesota.

    Where can I cast my ballot on election day? 

    School district residents can cast their ballots at their usual polling location on Tuesday, November 5. 

    Can I vote absentee in this election?

    Yes, voters may request that an absentee ballot be mailed to them for any reason. You can learn more about requesting an absentee ballot at www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/other-ways-to-vote/vote-early-by-mail/. 

    When is the deadline to register to vote?

    In Minnesota, the deadline to register to vote online or on paper is 21 days before the election. For the November election, the deadline is 11:59 p.m. on October 15, 2024. Eligible voters may also register at the polls on election day itself. 
    To learn more about registering to vote, visit www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/register-to-vote.