Valley City School District voters will decide Tuesday on a $46 million referendum to build a new grades 3-12 school east of Jefferson Elementary. Polls are open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the district office on Central Avenue North.
The measure needs 60% approval to pass. If approved, property taxes would increase $336 annually on a $100,000 home, but officials remind voters the new $1,600 property tax credit would more than cover the cost. Superintendent Joshua Johnson tells KSJB “it’s important for the voters to have a voice,” and that approaching this from a “cost saving standpoint,” can help to offset the long term costs of running the school, saving $750,000 annually by demolishing the 106-year-old high school, totaling $15 million over 20 years. If the referendum fails, a $37 million renovation would still be required, including the demolition of Washington Elementary due to asbestos, leaving students without a replacement school.
Some school officials attribute the declining population to outdated schools. School facility committee member Kara Anderson tells WDAY that “education drives growth. If a community is investing in their education system, they’re investing in the community as a whole.”
All U.S. citizens 18 and older living in the district for 30 days can vote with proper ID. Results will be counted publicly after polls close at 7 p.m.
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