VOTE411 Voter Guide

The school board of Independent School District No. 256 (Red Wing Schools) has proposed a project for the acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities, including renovations, remodeling, upgrades and improvements to the Sunnyside Elementary School, including the installation of a new fire alarm system, the creation of pre-kindergarten and kindergarten learning spaces, repurposing the existing cafeteria to create a multi-purpose large motor room, and remodeling the central building corridor to create an art room, cafeteria, Head Start room and special education learning spaces; the construction and installation of mechanical, HVAC and electrical infrastructure improvements; the acquisition and installation of replacement windows; the remodeling and upgrading of restrooms, including ADA accessibility improvements, at school sites and facilities; upgrades to casework, flooring and finishes; the acquisition and installation of furniture, fixtures and equipment; and the construction and installation of a new early childhood playground; acquisition, installation, replacement, support and maintenance of software, educational software, software licenses, computers, improved technology equipment, networks, infrastructure, the costs of technology related personnel and training; the acquisition of curriculum, textbooks and materials; deferred maintenance costs, utility services costs and other capital revenue purposes. To provide funds for a portion of the project costs, the school board has proposed to issue general obligation school building bonds in an amount not to exceed $12,860,000. To provide funds for the remaining portion of the project costs, the school board has proposed a capital project levy authorization in the amount of 2.881% times the net tax capacity of the school district. The proposed capital project levy will raise approximately $1,500,000 for taxes payable in 2027, the first year it is to be levied, and would be authorized for ten (10) years. The estimated total cost of the projects to be funded by the capital project levy authorization is approximately $15,000,000. The projects to be funded have received a positive review and comment from the Commissioner of Education. Shall the issuance of the general obligation school building bonds and the capital project levy authorization proposed by the school board of Independent School District No. 256 be approved? BY VOTING "YES" ON THIS BALLOT QUESTION, YOU ARE VOTING FOR A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE.