Independent School District 196 Bond Referendum

Safe and Successful SchoolsTuesday, 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% Excellent or Good

93% Excellent or Good

92% 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

Annual

Tax Impact

Monthly

Tax Impact

$100,000 $44 $3.67

$150,000 $78 $6.50

$200,000 $112 $9.33

$256,000 $150 $12.50

$300,000 $180 $15.00

$350,000 $213 $17.75

$400,000 $247 $20.58

$450,000 $279 $23.25

$500,000 $310 $25.83

School District Taxes Have Decreased

1,179

1,144

1,186

1,145 1,128

1,0661,153

1,152

$0

$200

$400

$600

$800

$1,000

$1,200

$1,400

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

School Taxes on the Average Value Home in District 196

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

Questions?

Call 651-423-7776

www.District196.org/Bond2015

Where to Vote?

www.mnvotes.org