Board explains choice of September referendum date after public questions about $64,000 election cost

Residents questioned the timing and cost of the district's planned referendum vote after the Union County estimate of roughly $64,000 to run a September election was cited on the agenda. John Griese asked whether holding the referendum in September — with its estimated cost — was prudent compared with a November election that typically draws higher turnout. Superintendent Ed Grandy said the district consulted bond counsel and a referendum publicity team; they advised a September date because referendums often fare better when the vote is focused on the measure alone rather than on a larger November ballot. "It's the attention of the referendum and the referendum only," Grandy said, adding the district wants to avoid politicizing the vote by mixing it with contests for other offices. Griese and other commenters said they expected higher turnout in November and questioned whether a lower-turnout, higher-cost September vote would serve the district's interests. Board members said the consultants presented data showing targeted referendum turnout can increase the chance of success and that the spending was viewed as an investment to secure state aid tied to a successful referendum vote. The board confirmed the referendum date as Sept. 16 and noted the district will publish additional referendum materials and schedule outreach. The agenda notes also call for district schedule adjustments on the referendum day: Sept. 16 will be a full closure for students and staff, and Feb. 13 will become an early dismissal day, effectively flipping those calendar days.