Cass Lake-Bena Schools referendum passes by slim margin
Nov. 11—CASS LAKE — Within a couple of school years,
Cass Lake-Bena
Public Schools will have a new elementary school and renovated location for its Area Learning Center, Boys and Girls Club and early learning programs.
On Tuesday, Nov. 8, voters took to the polls to determine whether the district could issue $39.75 million in bonds to build a new elementary school for kindergarten through fifth grade and remodel the current elementary school to house district offices and the ALC.
By a narrow margin, the ballot measure received 631 "yes" votes, or 51.3% of the vote total, to issue the bonds compared to 599 "no" votes, or 48.7%. A mere difference of 32 votes.
Recognizing both sides of the referendum coin, Superintendent Sue Chase expressed gratitude to all voters who voiced their opinions through their votes.
"Our voters gave thoughtful consideration to this and made the decision that investing in the school was important," Chase said. "I'm grateful that we were able to work with people in the community and answer their questions, and we're really looking forward to having a school that everybody can be proud of on all levels."
Chase detailed several issues that have impacted the current ALC location including the presence of asbestos, inefficiencies with the cooling and heating system, and insect and mice infestations.
She added that the ALC building is not in compliance with the
Americans with Disabilities Act,
noting the absence of elevators and handicap-accessible doors.
Elementary Principal Josh Grover estimated $15 million in renovations to the current ALC building, which would not be cost-effective given the property's value sits at $18 million.
Bringing the building into ADA compliance and other needed repairs would've exceeded a 60% investment threshold of the value of a replacement building, which the Department of Education discourages, according to Grover.
With the referendum's passage, the current ALC building will be decommissioned with its services shifting over to the current elementary building.
The existing elementary will undergo roughly $250,000 in renovations — according to an MDE estimate — with facility improvements consisting of separate entries for each program and replacing child-height toilets and sinks in the will-be ALC wing with adult fixtures.
Kindergarten through fourth-grade students will move to the new elementary building, which will be located on the same campus as the middle and high school, and fifth grade will be housed at the new elementary, as well, shifting from the middle school.
Chase noted the developmental benefits of moving fifth grade into the elementary and added that safety concerns like crowded traffic patterns and internal building security at the current elementary will be addressed with the referendum's passage.
She stated that the new elementary will have more green space, areas that could be used as outdoor classroom sites. There will also be break-out spaces that can be used as additional classrooms should an enrollment increase necessitate the need.
The new elementary will make up most of the project cost at $36.6 million for construction, site improvements, technology and other fees.
The property tax increase with the bond issuance will be roughly $18.75 a month for the average home in the district with taxes payable in 2023.
A residential homestead valued at $100,000 will see an estimated annual tax increase of $128, or $10.67 a month. A home valued at $200,000 will see a $322 annual increase, or $26.83 a month.
Grover said that the majority of payable taxes will come from industrial and commercial properties, and that the Enbridge pipeline running through Cass Lake will account for nearly 50% of funding.
The district website includes a
tax calculator
along with other information regarding the 2022 referendum at
With hopes to occupy their new and renovated locations by the start of the 2024-2025 school year, the next steps will include establishing timelines, issuing bonds, finalizing building plans and seeking input from district stakeholders.
Throughout the process, Chase and Grover aim to be fiscally responsible and transparent with the public.
"Our most important thing is that we're doing everything within the budget we have and we're going to make sure that we honor the wishes of our community to the best of our ability, and provide kids exactly what they need to be successful," Grover said.
"We realize this was a very difficult decision that will impact people's taxes," Chase added. "(Some people) didn't vote for this, but we want them to know we're very careful with the dollars that were allocated and will keep them updated about how things are going."
Both expressed excitement for the upcoming projects and planning for seven generations ahead.
"Knowing our actions have impacts on generations to come ... this particular project will have an impact on children of this community for years to come," Chase left off, "and we're so grateful."
