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GFW Public Schools to put $400,000-a-year capital projects levy and $3.2 million demolition bond before voters
Summary
At its regular meeting, the GFW Public Schools board approved submission of a capital projects levy question (proposed $400,000 annually for 10 years) and a contingent $3.2 million bond to demolish two outdated school buildings; both measure details were sent to the Minnesota Department of Education for review and comment.
The GFW Public Schools Board of Education voted to move forward with two ballot questions: a proposed $400,000 annual capital projects levy for 10 years and a contingent $3.2 million bond to demolish two obsolete school buildings.
The superintendent said the district plans to use the capital projects levy exclusively for capital needs listed on the ballot — buses and vans, student and staff technology devices, network infrastructure, and curriculum and instructional materials — and that those funds cannot be used for teacher salaries or utilities. He noted the proposed levy would raise an estimated $4 million over its 10-year life and estimated the cost for an average home with a $175,000 market value at about $22 per year.
Why it matters: district leaders said inflation, declining enrollment and unfunded state mandates have strained the operating budget and forced prior reductions. The levy is presented as a way to fund recurring capital needs without diverting operating dollars from classrooms. The board also discussed a bond question — contingent on the levy — to provide about $3.2 million for demolition, asbestos abatement and site restoration for two buildings the district says no longer meet instructional needs. State aid is expected to cover roughly 55% of the bond cost, the superintendent said, lowering the local share.
Details the board provided: the superintendent outlined district capital costs and recent spending patterns, saying annual district technology costs run about $396,000, curriculum subscriptions about $180,000 per year (with about $532,000 of curriculum purchased during COVID-relief spending that will require ongoing replacement over the next 2–3 years), and transportation averages about $722,000 annually with many buses over 20 years old and an average fleet mileage exceeding 160,000 miles. Two replacement buses have been ordered; the superintendent said a new bus costs roughly $130,000.
Board action and next steps: the board approved a resolution to submit its review and comment for the capital projects levy and the bond to the Minnesota Department of Education; the superintendent said the district must submit final review-and-comment documents by July 6. If approved by voters, the levy would run 10 years and the bond financing would follow the district’s normal procedures and state participation rules.
What board members and staff said: the superintendent, who presented the plan and financial examples, framed the levy as a targeted means to fund devices, infrastructure and transportation and to protect classroom operating dollars. He said the capital levy “cannot be used for teacher salaries, utilities, or operating expenses” and emphasized cybersecurity and replacement needs for classroom technology. Board members asked clarifying questions about timeline, household impact and the mechanics of state aid for the bond; the board recessed into roll-call votes to approve staff submission of the review-and-comment paperwork to MDE.
What remains unresolved: voters must approve the ballot questions in a future election for either measure to take effect. The board did not commit to final design or project phasing pending the state review, voter approval and further planning.
The board will return to final ballot language and implementation details after the Minnesota Department of Education completes its review and the district completes outreach to the community.
