District outlines $650M-plus capital needs and weighs a capital maintenance levy vs. future bonds

Thompson School District staff told the board their capital-needs estimate across buildings and systems is roughly $715 million over six to seven years; after current bond items are excluded, staff said approximately $650 million of needs remain.

Finance staff explained statutory constraints on regular operating mill levies and the limited upside in raising general tax revenue without creating a separate capital spending levy. "We’re capped out on our regular mill levies," Zach Moer explained; the finance team described a capital/spending special levy as a practical option to fund capital projects, technology and maintenance while freeing general fund dollars for operational needs.

Staff recommended a public-opinion poll and a multi-month communications campaign to build community understanding of priorities and the tradeoffs associated with a tax measure. The board discussed timing: a November ballot placement would require board action and ballot language in the coming month, while waiting would allow additional planning and avoid competing statewide tax ballot measures.

Board members voiced differing preferences on timing and ambition. Some members urged more aggressive, immediate asks to avoid falling further behind peer districts; others urged careful polling and message work to ensure community support. Staff said the district will complete polling before the end of the school year and return to the board with strategy options.

No final decision was made; the board directed staff to proceed with polling and communications work and to return with more detailed options and cost estimates.