Proposed Solution

Referendum is November 8

Ogilvie Public Schools is asking voters to consider three referendum questions on the November 8 ballot to address ongoing financial instability and long-term maintenance issues for the 30-year old school.

Question One
Operating Levy

Question one is for an operating levy that would maintain student programs, maintain small class sizes, retain quality teachers and support staff, and update classroom equipment.

Question Two
Bond Referendum-Infrastructure, inside & outside

Question two is for a bond referendum that would invest in infrastructure including the last section of roof replacement, leaking skylights, increased safety and security at entrances, and address needs for the pool, track, and playground.

Question Three
Bond Referendum-Ventilation

Question three is for a bond referendum that would update ventilation in the gyms, cafeteria/commons, and Career and Technical Education (CTE) classrooms and Agriculture and Construction Shops; as well as finish the 3rd (last) phase of the Health & Safety ventilation projects in the district.

If the operating levy and bond referenda are not approved, the district will continue to make budget reductions and the building will further deteriorate, costing more to repair in the future.

How will the money be spent? (Question 1)

How will the money be spent? (Question 2)

What if the referendum is not approved?

If the operating levy is not approved, the district will need to make significant budget cuts. The last two years, expenses have exceeded revenues. Fortunately, the district has been able to fill budget gaps by refunding bonds, making a fund transfer approved by the state, and utilizing one-time federal pandemic relief (ESSER/American Rescue Act) dollars. However, these are temporary measures that will not be available in the future.

If the bond referendum questions 2 and 3 are not approved, it would take more than a decade of state aid for long-term maintenance to address issues that need to be addressed today. No decision has been made, but the school board would likely come back to voters in subsequent years with another bond request. Due to increasing construction costs and interest rates, the cost is likely to increase significantly.