Board outlines Nov. 4 operating referendum logistics as local residents urge public values statement

One week before the Nov. 4 operating referendum, district staff and board members reviewed outreach plans and voting logistics while members of the public urged the board to take a public stance on local values.

Mr. Ali urged residents to make a voting plan and pointed community members toward the district’s referendum resource: “Ranger Nation Strongfoundation.org is the one-stop shop for all things” related to the operating levy, including cost and tax-impact information. He listed the four polling locations that will serve district residents on election day and noted that early voting is available at the county courthouse through Nov. 3.

During public comment, Eric Anderson, who identified himself as pastor of Lifespring Church, asked the board to reassure voters of three commitments he says the community wants: that the district act as an independent local school, that it “hold that a boy is a boy and a girl is a girl,” and that it not teach CRT or Marxist views. Anderson said a public statement would reassure families and help the referendum. Noah Gedker also urged the board to prioritize core academics, to make social-emotional learning optional and parent-driven, and to publicly affirm parental authority over worldview formation.

Board members discussed continued outreach, including a planned group photo for the district Facebook page to remind voters to cast ballots on Nov. 4; members agreed to proceed with that outreach step.

The board set a special meeting to canvas election results for Nov. 10 and will hold a separate session with MSBA Nov. 20 on superintendent transition and evaluation.