Monroe School District asks city to back $152 million bond and levy renewal ahead of Feb. 10, 2026 ballot

Molly Barnes, president of the Monroe School District Board of Directors, urged the Monroe City Council to affirm support for two measures the district plans to place before voters on Feb. 10, 2026: a construction bond and a replacement levy. Barnes said the proposed bond would authorize the district to issue up to $152,048,846 in general obligation bonds to finance major maintenance and capital projects across the district.

Barnes listed projects the bond would fund, including modernization and expansion of the Wagener Center on Main Street; construction of a new Sky Valley Education Center; a new gymnasium and renovations at Frank Wagner; improvements at Salem Woods Elementary; expanded classrooms in the north end of the district; upgrades to special education and early learning facilities; accessibility, fire suppression and HVAC work; athletic-field upgrades including Marshall Field, Memorial Field and the old Park Place fields; plus district-wide roofing projects. "In Monroe, over 15% of our total budget comes from levy dollars," Barnes told council, saying levy funds pay for teachers, counselors, nurses, paraeducators, custodians, transportation, athletics and other day‑to‑day services state funding does not fully cover.

Barnes asked the council to consider adopting a proclamation or resolution in support of the levy and bond so "our voters hear a consistent message about the importance of investing in our children's futures." She provided handouts and a district website for additional information.

Mayor Thomas and council members did not decide on a proclamation at the meeting. The mayor asked staff to research what would be required for the council to consider adopting a proclamation; he noted that in at least one prior cycle the city had held a public hearing where people spoke for and against a proclamation. Council members were told that if two council members request the item it will be placed on an upcoming agenda and staff would aim to have options ready by the Jan. 13 meeting. No formal council vote on a proclamation was taken at this session.

The district's request, as presented, would leave specifics such as final ballot language, a fiscal impact statement and outreach plans to the district and to future council consideration. The school board provided a projected levy rate of $1.73 per $1,000 of assessed value beginning in 2027 and described the consequences of not renewing the levy as potential reductions in services that directly affect students.

Next steps: staff will report back with the procedural options for a proclamation or other council action; any formal city action would appear on a future agenda and — based on past practice noted by council — may include an opportunity for public comment.