There are a number of elections happening across the state on Tuesday as voters fill a vacancy on the Columbia Heights school board and voters decide on city, school district and county referendums.
See a list of elections below, including sample ballots.
Faribault County ballot question
“Shall the office of Faribault County Recorder be appointed rather than elected at the expiration of the current term?”
Aitkin Public Schools (School District ISD 1) ballot question
Question 1: “Shall the school board of Independent School District No. 1 (Aitkin Public Schools) be authorized to issue its general obligation school building bonds in an amount not to exceed $49,790,000 to provide funds for the acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities, including the construction and equipping of a new PreK-6 elementary school?”
Question 2: “If School District Question 1 is approved, shall the school board of Independent School District No. 1 (Aitkin Public Schools) also be authorized to issue its general obligation school building bonds in an amount not to exceed $3,190,000 to provide funds for the acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities, including the construction and equipping of a transportation center?”
Question 3: “If School District Question 1 and School District Question 2 are approved, shall the school board of Independent School District No. 1 (Aitkin Public Schools) also be authorized to issue its general obligation school building bonds in an amount not to exceed $2,235,000 to provide funds for the acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities, including the construction and equipping of an auxiliary gym at the new PreK-6 elementary school?”
Wayzata Public Schools (School District ISD 284) ballot question
Question 1: Renewal of Expiring Capital Project Levy for Technology
“The board of Independent School District No. 284 (Wayzata Public Schools), Minnesota has proposed to renew its capital project levy, scheduled to expire after taxes payable in 2029, in the maximum amount of 2.66075 percent times the net tax capacity of the school district to provide funds for the purchase and installation of software and technology equipment and the support and maintenance of technology. The proposed tax rate is not being increased from the previous year’s rate. The proposed renewal of the expiring capital project levy authorization will raise approximately $7,039,362 for taxes first levied in 2029, payable in 2030, and will be authorized for ten (10) years. The estimated total cost of the projects to be funded over that time period is approximately $70,393,620.
Shall the renewal of the expiring capital project levy authorization to fund technology proposed by the board of Independent School District No. 284 (Wayzata Public Schools), Minnesota be approved?
BY VOTING “YES” ON THIS BALLOT QUESTION, YOU ARE VOTING TO RENEW AN EXISTING CAPITAL PROJECTS REFERENDUM THAT IS SCHEDULED TO EXPIRE.”
Question 2: Approval of School Building Bonds
“Shall the board of Independent School District No. 284 (Wayzata Public Schools), Minnesota be authorized to issue general obligation school building bonds in an amount not to exceed $465,000,000 for acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities including, but not limited to, a new elementary school, a new middle school, an addition to Wayzata High School, safety and security improvements and various other capital projects districtwide?
BY VOTING ‘YES’ ON THIS BALLOT QUESTION, YOU ARE VOTING FOR A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE”
Question 3: Approval of School Building Bonds
“If School District Question 2 is approved, shall the board of Independent School District No. 284 (Wayzata Public Schools), Minnesota be authorized to issue general obligation school building bonds in an amount not to exceed $31,000,000 for acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities including, but not limited to, construction of an 8-lane swimming and diving pool?
BY VOTING ‘YES’ ON THIS BALLOT QUESTION, YOU ARE VOTING FOR A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE.”
Little Falls (School District ISD 482) ballot question
Question 1: “Shall the board of Independent School District No. 482 (Little Falls), Minnesota be authorized to issue general obligation school building bonds in an amount not to exceed $34,305,000 for acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities including, but not limited to, remodeling and indoor air quality and safety and security improvements at Little Falls Community High School?”
Question 2: “If School District Question 1 is approved, shall the board of Independent School District No. 482 (Little Falls), Minnesota be authorized to issue general obligation school building bonds in an amount not to exceed $9,520,000 for acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities including, but not limited to, construction of a new gymnasium at Little Falls Community High School?
Passage of School District Question 2 is contingent upon passage of School District Question 1.”
Staples-Motley (School District ISD 2170) ballot question
Approval of School District Bond Issue
“Shall the school board of Independent School District No. 2170 (Staples Motley) be authorized to issue its general obligation school building bonds in an amount not to exceed $42,500,000 to provide funds for the acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities, including the construction and equipping of a secure entry and career and technical education (CTE) addition to the High School/Middle School site; the construction and equipping of an addition to the Elementary School; the renovation and remodeling of classrooms and restrooms at school sites and facilities; upgrades to casework and finishes; the acquisition and installation of furniture, fixtures and equipment at school sites and facilities; the construction of athletic and activity field improvements, including track replacement and renovations and upgrades to the football field, bleachers, press box, scoreboard, concession stand and locker rooms; the construction of upgrades and improvements to the High School/Middle School building envelope; and the acquisition and installation of lighting, acoustic, sound and other enhancements to the High School/Middle School auditorium?
BY VOTING "YES" ON THIS BALLOT QUESTION, YOU ARE VOTING FOR A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE.”
Columbia Heights School District (School District ISD 13) election
The two candidates running for the Columbia Heights school board vacancy are Adam Davis and Jenna Fodness-Bondhus. Here are their platforms:
Adam Davis, according to his campaign website:
Advocate for students
Ensure a welcoming and safe environment
Help students learn to their full potential
Creatively support the joy of art and music
Partner with parents
Prioritize success in math, reading and science
Encourage parents partnering with their child’s teachers
Mindful of the taxpayers
Make sure that education dollars are well spent
Supporting shifting school funding away from local property taxes to help fixed income and low income earners
Champion for teachers
As a teacher myself, I uniquely understand the challenges facing out educators and how to help them
Empower our teachers with the tools they need in the classroom and ensure that they are supported
Address the unique challenges of our district, such as the influx of English learners with additional staff and resources
Work with state legislators
Seventy-five percent of our school district budget is restricted, which meant the state legislature decided how it is spent, not your local school board
Encourage legislators to provide more flexibility to our independent school districts and fully fund their mandates
Jenna Fodness-Bondhus, according to her campaign website:
Protecting Safe Learning Environments
Recent immigration enforcement actions have deeply affected many families in our community and have had a lasting impact on our schools. When students are afraid to come to school or worried about their families, it disrupts learning and creates lasting trauma. Our schools must remain safe and welcoming places where every child, regardless of immigration status, can focus on learning and feel a sense of belonging. As a school board member, I would support policies and protocols that protect our students and their right to an education. Every child deserves access to education without fear.
Communication
Clear, reliable, and accessible information helps students thrive and families stay aware. I will strengthen two-way engagement, ensure language access, and provide personalized outreach so families feel informed, heard, and empowered.
Advocacy
Our district needs strong, proactive leadership. When our district faced a budget shortfall, I organized a petition to make sure our district's voice was heard. When many families were impacted by Metro Surge, I organized a Mutual Aid fund to help those in need. I will continue fighting for sustainable funding, protecting programs students rely on, and keeping our schools strong.
Fairness and Inclusivity
Every student deserves opportunity and belonging. I will ensure all students have the tools, resources, and accommodations they need, from academic supports to special services. CHPS students and families deserve a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning environment.
Academic Excellence and Enrichment
Students deserve both strong academics and meaningful enrichment opportunities. I support diverse coursework and programs that reflect students' interests and strengths. I firmly believe students should have access to a wide range of books and perspectives that support learning and critical thinking. Decisions about curriculum and library materials should be guided by educators and educational standards, not censorship or book bans.”