Elk River Area School District — Transcript
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Celebration of America's 250th Anniversary
Community Survey Results and Facility Planning
Proposed Facility Solutions for Enrollment Growth
Votes (2)
Resolution to Celebrate America's 250th Anniversary
Dissent: None
Moved by John (Board Member) [00:01:00] · Seconded by Unknown [00:01:00]
Board member John introduced the resolution, highlighting America's unique history, the enduring principles of its Constitution and Declaration of Independence, and the concept of unalienable rights and consent of the governed. He underscored the importance of fostering gratitude among students for living in a free society, drawing comparisons to countries with less freedom and sharing historical anecdotes like Nathan Hale. Other board members expressed agreement on the value of honoring the anniversary and setting a positive example for youth.
Community Survey Results and Facility Solutions Recommendation
Dissent: Mindy (Board Member) expressed concerns about the overall cost being too high and suggested a phased approach.
Moved by N/A · Seconded by N/A
Darren Sievers presented the School Perceptions community survey findings, revealing a 15.24% response rate (4,859 respondents) and a 1.44% margin of error. Key demographic insights included high staff (16%) and parent (53%) engagement, with communication preferences varying by group (email and "7 to 8 happenings" for parents; "7 to 8 happenings" and Star News for non-parents). Initial support for a new Otsego high school was 78% staff, 70% parents, 40% non-parents/non-staff. Community expressed a preference for a larger, long-term solution (1,900 student capacity) over a smaller one (1,300). However, the weighted projection for voter support on the 1,900 student option was 47.5%, indicating it's "not quite there" for guaranteed passage, partly due to concerns about "property tax impact is just a bit too much" and a district score slightly below average on "managing funds appropriately." Darren advised against putting the 1,900 student option on the ballot without modifications, citing that "unsure" votes typically do not convert to "yes" votes post-COVID. Andy Prior and Joe/Corti then presented a modified recommendation: a new 1,500-student capacity high school in Otsego (with 1,900-student core infrastructure for future expansion), a new E8 building in Eastern Otsego, a federal setting 4 education center at the Ivan Sand campus, CTE improvements across all three high schools, and safety updates for Zimmerman and Rogers Middle Schools. The total investment is $350 million plus a $9 million annual capital projects levy, resulting in a $35 monthly tax increase for a $400,000 home. This modified plan aims to provide a 10-year solution, address core needs, and align with community feedback on both long-term vision and cost-consciousness. Board members discussed the implications of the 47.5% support, the potential for taxpayer education, the conservative nature of current financial projections, and the long-term benefits of acting now due to inflation and continuous growth. Mindy expressed reservations about the high cost and suggested a phased approach, while Shane and Barry voiced confidence in the revised plan as a comprehensive and fiscally responsible direction based on community input.
Notable Quotes (6)
The main reason why is because of our Declaration of Independence, the preamble and the truth that it espouses. And you know, we read these sometimes, we I'll read the preamble, it says, 'We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.'
And I think it's important our students need to understand how fortunate they are to live in America with a sense of gratitude.
We track that and honestly, your support of your fiscal management score and your support for the project, the yeses, both go up. For every significant uh dollar amount that you're reducing your ask. It's kind of common sense. The less you ask for, the more people are going to respect what you're asking for and more likely to vote yes...
My recommendation would have been don't put it on the ballot at the 47.5. Okay. That's not That would not be listening to your voters.
Every year that we wait it adds 5 to 10% increase in cost.
In my tenure on the board, I've been asked this question constantly, consistently. Um, is there going to be a Nazi High School? A lot. Um, and I will say, my initial response is, 'Not necessarily in support of the Nazi High School.' However, in the same statement, I would say, 'But I will always look at the data and the numbers.'
Ordinances & Resolutions (10)
The meeting agenda, distributed and approved.
Resolution of ISD 728 school board to celebrate America's 250th anniversary.
Historical document, its preamble was quoted during discussion.
Historical document, its age and significance discussed.
Survey conducted by School Perceptions to gather community feedback on district facilities and potential bond referendum.
Data used for voter demographics and projections.
Refers to a previous bond referendum campaign designed for a 7-10 year solution.
The district's long-term plan, referenced for ensuring access to technology, programs, and facilities.
An earlier study contributing to the facility planning process.
Recommendations from a community group regarding capacity and enrollment concerns.