Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Elections topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board discusses options if Minnesota shifts school elections to even years under S.F. No. 634
Summary
The board reviewed S.F. No. 634, which would require many local elections to occur in even‑numbered Novembers; staff presented cost and operational implications and three board options, including changing term lengths or remaining in odd‑year elections if permitted.
Board materials reviewed a proposed state bill (S.F. No. 634) that would require general elections for many city, town and school district offices to occur on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of even‑numbered years. The packet summarized the bill text and referred it to the state Elections Committee; it also listed districts already considering or moving to even years.
District staff presented operational considerations: projected district costs for running independent elections (projected at over $100,000 for 2025), the heavy burden on one district employee who currently handles elections, and the county/city resources that would be available if elections moved to even years. The packet set out three board options: (1) pass a resolution changing the next two election cycles to two 3‑year terms (running independent elections in 2025 and 2027, then moving to even‑year timing), (2) extend current members’ terms by one year to avoid a 2025 election if action passed by July 1, 2025, or (3) remain on odd‑year elections (with the caveat the state might force a change later).
Slides included turnout and cost comparisons for odd and even years and recommended the board consider action by the June 9 meeting if it wishes to change term timing. The board opened the floor for discussion; no motion or formal vote appears in the transcript.
