Independent School District 196 Bond Referendum
Safe and Successful Schools
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
A School District of Choice
District 196 achievements in 2014-15:
• ACT average of 24.4
• MCA scores exceeded state averages
• 744 Advanced Placement scholars
• 5,476 U of M college credits earned
• 8 team state champions
• 25 individual state and national champions
A School District of Choice
“When class is in session, parents
have another reason to smile:
access to a nationally recognized
public school district of choice.”
- Money magazine, August 2015
(referring to District 196)
District 196 Resident Satisfaction
Quality of Education
Provided
Teacher Performance
Schools Provide Good
Value
95%
93%
92%
Excellent or Good
Excellent or Good
Agree or Strongly Agree
April 2015 Community Survey
Bond Referendum Election
to Address Needs in 3 Key Areas
1. Safety and Security
2. Space for Learning
3. Technology for Learning
Why Are There Needs?
10+ years since last bond referendum for facilities
Safety concerns about visitor access and school security
Overcrowding and use of substandard space due to
full-day K, school-based preschool and enrollment growth
Lack of space to increase STEM and magnet school choice
Technology funding expired with need to increase access
What Process Was Used?
Strategic Planning Facilities and Equipment
Task Force established in July 2014:
Analyzed capacity and enrollment data for every school
Reviewed individual building needs
Reviewed recommendations of other district groups that studied
safety and security, space and technology needs
Developed recommendations and gathered input from citizens and
staff
How Was the Public Involved?
Facilities and Equipment Task Force review
• Shared with school site councils, advisory councils and parent leaders
Preliminary recommendations and input
• Focus group meetings in December
• Site councils and parent leaders
Community survey showed
support for recommendations
Positive Review and Comment
received from state
1. Safety and Security: Proposed Improvements
a) Modify entrances at all district schools
to improve control of visitor access
b) Update security equipment
in all district schools
c)
Improve site safety at 16 schools
with identified needs
2. Space for Learning: Proposed Improvements
a) New elementary school
b) Additions to magnet schools
c) STEM education
improvements
d) Renovate space and replace
worn-out student furniture
to meet district standards
3. Technology for Learning: Proposed Improvements
a) Increase technology access for all students
• Mobile learning device for
each student in grades 4-12,
phased in over three years
• Increase access pre-K-grade 3
b) Update technology
infrastructure
districtwide
Summary of Proposed Improvements
1. Improve safety and security at all schools
2. Add and renovate space for learning for full-day
kindergarten, school-based preschool,
enrollment growth, magnet school choice,
STEM education and to meet district standards
3. Increase student access to technology as an
essential tool for learning
Cost of the Referendum
$180 million total
• $130 million bonding authority for safety, space and
technology infrastructure improvements
• $50 million capital project
levy to increase access to
technology ($5 million per
year for 10 years)
Tax Impact of the Referendum
Approximately
$12 per month on
the average-value
home
Estimated
Market Value
$100,000
$150,000
$200,000
$256,000
$300,000
$350,000
$400,000
$450,000
$500,000
Annual
Monthly
Tax Impact Tax Impact
$44
$3.67
$78
$6.50
$112
$9.33
$150
$12.50
$180
$15.00
$213
$17.75
$247
$20.58
$279
$23.25
$310
$25.83
School District Taxes Have Decreased
School Taxes on the Average Value Home in District 196
$1,400
$1,200
1,186
1,179
$1,000
1,066
1,144
1,145
1,128
2011
2012
1,153
1,152
$800
$600
$400
$200
$0
2008
2009
2010
2013
2014
2015
Single Ballot Question
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. 196 be approved?
o Yes
o No
Voting Information
Vote Early By Absentee
No reason needed; begins September 18
Go to District196.org/Bond2015 for voter
registration and absentee ballot application
Vote by mail or in person at the District Office
or any Dakota County service center
Call the District Office at 651-423-7725 for voting information
OR
Remember to Vote on Tuesday, November 3, 2015
Go to mnvotes.org to find out where you vote
More Information
www.District196.org/Bond2015
Questions?
Call 651-423-7776
Where to Vote?
www.mnvotes.org