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Superintendent: district will begin outreach ahead of 2028 opt-out renewal; bond likely if schools are rebuilt
Summary
Superintendent said the board will consider whether to renew the district's opt-out tax around January 2028 and that a voter-approved bond is likely if the district moves forward with major elementary renovations or a new building; the district emphasized early public education and outreach.
The Yankton School District superintendent told the board on April 13 that planning for a potential renewal of the district's opt-out tax will begin well before a 2028 decision, and that major facilities work will likely require a voter-approved bond.
Superintendent and presenters reviewed three funding objectives: prepare the community for an opt-out renewal decision the board may put forward in January 2028, maintain a sustainable self-insured employee health-care plan (working with consultants from HUB International), and plan for possible bond financing if the district chooses to renovate or build elementary facilities.
Why it matters: the opt-out provides local revenue the district has used for six years; presenters said the community previously supported opt-outs and that the board must invest in broad public education and outreach before placing a renewal before voters. Presenters also warned that legislative changes could affect the opt-out rules in the interim.
Presenters recommended public meetings beginning in 2027 to explain options and spending plans, and they said district staff, administrators and board members will need to participate in community outreach. No resolution to place an opt-out renewal on the ballot was made at the meeting.
The board also discussed employee health benefits, noting the district's self-insurance plan and ongoing work with consultants to maintain a sustainable plan for staff.
