What Happens If We Vote No?

Every time a school referendum comes up, there’s a familiar warning: “If this doesn’t pass, the buildings will fall apart and the students will suffer.”

It’s meant to scare you — but it’s not true.

If this $25 million referendum is voted down, here’s what actually happens:

1. The School Stays Open. The Lights Stay On. The Kids Keep Learning.

Nothing suddenly shuts down.
No one is getting kicked out of class.
Our buildings don’t crumble the moment the vote fails.

The district still receives its regular state funding, and our schools will continue operating just like they do today — with great teachers, strong programs, and safe, secure buildings.

In fact, by the district’s own reports, our facilities are already well-maintained and in good working condition. The 2022 facility assessment rated the majority of building systems as acceptable or good.

Are there projects that need attention eventually? Of course. That’s true for every school in Minnesota. But nothing in this referendum represents an emergency that can’t be revisited later with a clearer, more responsible plan.

2. The Board Can Still Fun Maintenance and Repairs

At the October 13th Dinner and Discussion meeting, Superintendent Chip Rankin admitted that the school board already has the authority to raise about $8.5 million in taxes for maintenance and repairs without voter approval.

That means they already have the tools to address ongoing building needs — things like HVAC updates, roof repairs, and parking lots — without passing this massive 21-year debt.

So why aren’t they doing it?

Because, as Superintendent Rankin said,

"Those schools never pass a referendum again."

In other words, they’re not worried about fixing the buildings — they’re worried about losing their next referendum.

3. Saying "No" Doesn't Mean "Never"

Voting No doesn’t mean you’re against teachers, students, or progress.

It means you’re asking the district to come back with a better plan — one that focuses on true needs, not nice-to-haves.

If this version is voted down, the board can absolutely bring a new proposal later. That’s how the process works.

And, based on Chip Rankin’s comments, it’s likely they will — because they know maintenance issues still need to be addressed.

The difference is that next time, they’ll need to present a plan that’s transparent, prioritized, and easier to justify to the community.

4. What a "No" Vote Really Means

Voting No means:

  • You want a plan that prioritizes student safety and maintenance, not new construction.

  • You want fiscal responsibility and transparency before committing to 21 years of new debt.

  • You believe in supporting teachers and students through good management, not expensive distractions.

It’s okay to expect more from your district leadership.
It’s okay to say this isn’t the right plan.

A “No” vote isn’t a vote against kids — it’s a vote for accountability and for better priorities.

5. What Happens Next

If the referendum fails, taxes will go down as the 2015 bond is paid off.

The district will still have the same authority and funding it has today.

And most importantly, the board will have an opportunity — and a responsibility — to come back with a proposal that reflects what the community actually supports.

That’s how democracy is supposed to work.

The Bottom Line

Minnewaska’s buildings are solid.
Our students are thriving.
Our teachers are dedicated.

What we need now isn’t a new gym or a daycare addition — it’s a leadership team willing to listen, prioritize, and spend wisely.

Saying No today sends a clear message:

We support our schools.
We value our teachers.
We want transparency, not tactics.

And we’re ready to vote Yes when the right plan comes along.