Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question about the referendum? You’ve come to the right place!

Questions about our Challenges

  • We have worked hard to care for our facilities and provide safe, supportive learning environments. But many parts of our buildings are aging and worn out — and they need updates to stay safe, efficient, and ready for learning.

    This referendum would address our facilities’ greatest challenges while being fiscally responsible.

  • The proposed plan would address key facilities challenges, including: 

    • Worn-out infrastructure. Our steam heating system, electrical and fire safety systems, and roofing are outdated and require repairs. 

    • Space and safety concerns. Current entrances don’t have secure check-in areas. Restrooms, doors, sidewalks, and parking lots can be improved for safety. 

    • Interior and exterior wear. Flooring, walls, doors, interior counters and sinks, and our track and field are showing wear and need replacement. 

    For more information about our facilities’ challenges, please visit the Challenges Page.

Questions about the Plan

  • A bond referendum is when local voters decide whether to authorize a local property tax to fund new construction, renovation or additions to existing school buildings and purchases of new equipment.

    The tax is paid by all property owners based on the assessed value of their property. This referendum would address our facilities’ greatest challenges while being fiscally responsible.

  • In Minnesota, voters decide whether school districts can increase property taxes to pay for the bonds used for renovating and constructing school buildings. Like a loan on a car or mortgage on a house, the bonds need to be repaid over time plus interest.

  • Our referendum plan was shaped by input from teachers, families, and community members, as well as expert assessments of our facilities, enrollment trends, and educational needs.

    For more information about our process, please visit the Process Page.

  • We’re committed to providing safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments where every student can grow and succeed. Our annual maintenance budget is limited by law and cannot cover our comprehensive needs without taking money away from student education or postponing them. A bond referendum allows our district to fund improvements to accessibility, safety, and learning areas without compromising student programming and education. 

    We know students thrive in safe, accessible, and healthy learning spaces. These investments today will support learning at WHA schools for years to come.

  • Addressing our greatest challenges now will prevent costly emergency repairs and rising prices in the future. Delaying won’t change the need to invest in our facilities – but the cost to local taxpayers would likely increase due to inflation.

  • If the plan is rejected, our district will be unable to address these needs without taking money away from student learning or spreading the work over many years.

    Redirecting money from learning to maintenance could put important student resources at risk — like dedicated teachers, small class sizes, and strong curriculum. 

    The longer we wait to fix aging parts of our buildings, the more likely they are to break down, require even more expensive repairs, or stop working when we need them most.

Questions about the Cost

  • We’re committed to using tax dollars wisely. We’ve focused the referendum plan on our most important building needs while keeping the impact on property taxes as low as possible.

    If approved, Question One will not raise property taxes.

    If Question Two is approved, a median-value home (valued at approx. $350,000) would see an estimated property tax increase of $1.92 per month starting in 2026.

    Homes valued at $200,000 or less would see a tax impact of $1 per month or less.

    You can view your specific tax impact by using our tax calculator. Learn more about the cost of the project on the Tax Impact Page.

  • Yes. Tax credits and deferrals such as the Ag2School credit, Minnesota Homestead Credit Refund or Special Property Tax Refund, and the Senior Citizen Property Tax Deferral can reduce the tax impact of the approved referendum on your home, depending on your age, income, and tax burden.

Questions about Voting

  • Election Day is Tuesday, November 4, 2025. Early voting will begin on September 19, and be available through Monday, November 3. Learn more on the Voting Page.

  • Yes. Early voting will begin on Friday, September 19, and will be available through Monday, November 3. Learn more on the Voting Page.

  • Yes, the sample ballot can be viewed here.

  • Residents can explore this website to learn more about the referendum. Please use the Connect Page to reach out to the district with questions or feedback.