StorySpecial Election for School Building Bonds and Capital Project LevyJuly 13, 2026

Elk River School Board Approves Special Election for Building Bonds, Capital Levy

Voters in the Elk River Area School District will soon decide on funding measures for essential school facilities and ongoing capital projects following a recent board resolution.

Published Aug 10, 2026

The Elk River Area School District Board of Directors has formally approved a resolution to hold a special election, presenting voters with a crucial decision on significant school building bonds and a capital project levy. This action, taken at a recent board meeting, sets the stage for residents to cast their ballots on funding proposals aimed at addressing the district's infrastructure and educational facility needs.

The resolution, which paves the way for the special election, passed with a 5-1 vote. This decision reflects the board’s determination to move forward with plans that officials say are vital for supporting the district's educational environment and future growth.

So what you have for action tonight is the the culmination of those discussions to say how do we get that our question on the ballot. And so that's what we wereing in this resolution.

— Superintendent Almost

Informing the Public

District officials underscored their commitment to ensuring that the community is thoroughly informed about the details and implications of the upcoming vote. Efforts will be made to demystify the legal and financial aspects of the bonds and levy, making the information accessible to all residents.

This is the legal terminology that we need to have. This is required. We are going to explain and break this down all of our meetings and understand how it affects you, how it affects your taxes and what it means in a very simplified term.

— Presiding Officer

Board Perspectives

While the resolution passed, it was not a unanimous decision. One board member cast a dissenting vote, taking the opportunity to clarify their position on the underlying referendum question itself, rather than the procedural act of placing the question on the ballot for voters to decide.

I just wanted to say I'll be voting no tonight because I referendum, but while I understand this is a procedural vote, language. I don't want to create any confusion about where I stand. The majority of the board has already voted to place this question on the ballot and now the voters will have the final say.

— Board Member (Dissenting)

The board's action formally initiates the electoral process. The Elk River Area School District is expected to announce the specific date for the special election and will provide comprehensive information through public forums, online resources, and community meetings in the coming weeks and months. This will allow voters to understand the full scope of the proposed bonds and levy, including their potential impact on local property taxes and the future of educational facilities within the district, before making their final decision.

Our proprietary artificial intelligence agent analyzed publicly available documents including meeting agendas, minutes, and transcripts to write this story to help inform local residents. Feedback helps us improve, so please consider rating how we did with the thumbs up or down below.

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Full analysis

Votes (2)

Acceptance of Recommendation to Deny April 6, 2026 Agreements

Approved Unanimously

Dissent: None

Moved by Unknown · Seconded by Unknown

The school board considered a recommendation from its committee to deny specific agreements. No detailed discussion on the content of the agreements was recorded beyond the motion and vote.

Approval of Resolution for Special Election for School Building Bonds and Capital Project Levy

5-1 Approved

Dissent: One board member voted against the resolution, stating their opposition to the underlying referendum, despite acknowledging the procedural nature of the vote.

Moved by Unknown · Seconded by Unknown

Superintendent Almost explained the resolution as a legal step following a May referendum, to place a question on the November 3rd ballot. The question seeks authorization for $350 million for a high school building and learning center, plus a $9 million capital projects levy. It was emphasized that the complex legal ballot language would be simplified for public understanding. One board member voiced opposition to the underlying referendum, while acknowledging the procedural nature of the vote on the resolution itself.

Notable Quotes (3)

So what you have for action tonight is the the culmination of those discussions to say how do we get that our question on the ballot. And so that's what we wereing in this resolution.

— Superintendent Almost
Approval of Resolution for Special Election for School Building Bonds and Capital Project Levy

This is the legal terminology that we need to have. This is required. We are going to explain and break this down all of our meetings and understand how it affects you, how it affects your taxes and what it [clears throat] means in a very simplified term.

— Presiding Officer
Approval of Resolution for Special Election for School Building Bonds and Capital Project Levy

I just wanted to say I'll be voting no tonight because I referendum, but while I understand this is a procedural vote, language. I don't want to create any confusion about where I stand. The majority of the board has already voted to place this question on the ballot and now the voters will have the final say.

— Board Member (Dissenting)
Approval of Resolution for Special Election for School Building Bonds and Capital Project Levy

Ordinances & Resolutions (9)

schoolboard retreat planPlan

Plan outlining topics for the upcoming school board retreat

Superintendent's ReportReport

Report delivered by the Superintendent covering various updates including retreat planning and meeting date changes

expanded areas of the FAQOther

Resource discussed by the Facilities Committee for community questions

community outreach planPlan

Plan to inform and educate the community, especially regarding the upcoming referendum

Superintendent evaluationOther

Annual performance review document for the Superintendent

AMS update reportReport

Report from the Association of Metropolitan School Districts on new legislation

April 6, 2026 agreementsOther

Specific agreements that the school board voted to deny based on a committee recommendation

resolution calling a special election to authorize the issuance of school building bonds and to approve a capital project le authorizationResolution

Official document to schedule a special election for bond and levy authorization

ballot languageOther

Specific wording that will appear on the November 3rd special election ballot

Source document

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Other Topics from This Document

  • School Board Retreat Planning

  • Facilities Committee Report

  • Superintendent Evaluation Process

  • External Legislative Updates

  • Denial of Specific Agreements

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