"The school board of Independent School District No. 507 (Nicollet Public Schools) has proposed to increase its general education revenue by $1,014.76 per pupil, subject to an annual increase at the rate of inflation. The proposed referendum revenue authorization would first be levied in 2025 for taxes payable in 2026 and would be applicable for five (5) years unless otherwise revoked or reduced by law. Shall the increase in general education revenue proposed by the school board of Independent school District No. 507 (Nicollet Public Schools) be approved?" 

If School District Question 1 is approved, shall the school board of Independent School District No. 507 (Nicollet Public Schools), Minnesota be authorized to issue general obligation school building bonds in an amount not to exceed $7,600,000 to provide funds for the acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities including, but not limited to, the construction of a secure main entrance; renovations and expansion of the career and technical education space; and capital required deferred maintenance projects?"

MAY 2024

District learned federal COVID-19 funding will expire

OCT 2024

Sought feedback from staff through surveys to determine priorities within the district

JAN 2025

District identified challenges from reduced federal aid

FEB 2025

Formed Strategic Planning Task Force to develop a Strategic Plan to keep

the District accountable as well as an Enrollment Task Force to develop a plan to increase state funding

MAR 2025

Board reviewed independent assessment of our facilities to identify critical needs. The District also sought feedback from our communities through building tours and surveys to determine what solutions would be supported

MAY 2025

Engaged Facility Task Force for input on potential solutions

JUN 2025

Facility Task Force presented facility improvement recommendations to the School Board

JUL 2025

Board approved Review & Comment Bond proposal to Minnesota Department of Education for inclusion on November 4 ballot

The Nicollet school district prior operating referenda have been widely supported by the public.

The district has not asked for capital support since the referendum that was passed for the Community Center and Nicollet Early Childhood Center (NECC).

This referendum asks for operating support as well as capital investment to address critical infrastructure, safety/security and Career Technical Education space improvements.

The needs were identified through an engineering and educational studies which created a 10-year academic space and facilities plan. Teachers/staff and the community were engaged to prioritize needs.

In parallel, the school district has pursued budget reductions, but are still in need of an operational increase given the recent adverse changes in inflation and reductions in State aid.

Proposal to increase its general education revenue by $1,014.76 per pupil/year
or $288,000/year for five years.

• Maintain elementary class sizes

• Expand career and technical education offerings

• Increase opportunities for students to earn college credits

• Retain high-quality staff by providing competitive wages

NOTE: Even if voters approve this levy, cuts will still be necessary to balance the budget

• Safety & Security Enhancements

  • Fire Alarm System Replacement

  • Paging System Replacement

  • Secure Main Entrance Remodel

• Infrastructure Improvements

  • HVAC updates in Nicollet Early

    Childhood Center, Community Ed area,

    and school gyms

    • New welding hoods & dust collector

    system in Technical Education area

    • Address cracking exterior facade

    • Replace original exterior doors

    • Replace damaged concrete sidewalk and

    curb/gutters

    • Loading dock approach reconstruction

    • Flooring replacement

    • Repaint corridor wall, interior doors,

    frames and lockers

• Updated Career & Technical Education Spaces

  • Modernize metals, lecture room, food science, and add greenhouse for improved learning opportunities

If these referendums are not approved, our Board of Education will have to review options to meet these needs, as they cannot be addressed within current annual budgets.

If left unaddressed, the capital maintenance needs will only get worse and lead to costly repairs. Project costs also increase over time, so doing the work sooner rather than later will save our taxpayers money.

Ballots WILL NOT automatically be mailed for the November 4 election.

Instead you must request an absentee ballot or vote in-person.

• Register to vote at sos.mn.gov

• Learn More about voting absentee by mail

• Voting day is November 4, 2025. Polls are open from 7 am to 8 pm 

• Absentee ballots can be requested any time and are mailed 3 weeks before voting day

• Call your local Clerk’s Office to get more information on early in-person voting