Investing in the future of Kimball Area Public Schools

As I reflect on the school year at Kimball Area Public Schools, I’m proud of what our students and staff accomplished. From our new language arts curriculum to a new character-building program helping students thrive, our district continues working hard to empower students to achieve life-long success.

Even with students out of school, our district has a busy summer ahead. On Tuesday, Aug. 9, we’re asking Kimball area voters to consider a referendum that would provide an investment of $10.4 million in our facilities.

This is an important community decision, and we want every resident to be informed about the plan and the choice they have when they vote. That’s why the district has launched a dedicated project website, OurCubsOurFuture.org, to provide residents with important information about the plan, including the needs it would address and the impact on taxpayers.

Our schools have served generations of students, and we want to ensure our facilities are equipped to continue preparing students for the future. Allow me to provide an overview of how the district developed this plan and what the plan includes.

In 2019, the district conducted a community survey about our school facilities that received 490 responses from residents. Residents prioritized security upgrades and updated science and FACS classrooms. Other priorities included improved heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems as well as renovated early childhood education spaces. In addition to the survey, the district received feedback in meetings with staff, agricultural landowners, and community leaders.

The district has already taken steps to address these community priorities. In 2021, the district updated the HVAC systems at the high school and elementary school to improve indoor air quality. Now, the district is asking residents to consider two ballot questions that will address other critical needs at our school buildings.

Question One seeks $8.1 -million in funding to support a wide range of improvements, including security upgrades, renovated science labs and FACS classrooms at the high school, and more space for early childhood programs at the elementary school. Question One also asks voters to approve repurposing $2 million from the indoor air quality project completed in 2021 that was completed under budget due to a competitive bid market.

Question Two, contingent upon the approval of Question One, would invest an additional $2.3 million. The plan would expand and replace the district’s 20-year-old parking lots and provide an age-appropriate playground for early childhood students at the elementary school.

Kimball area voters have the final say on this project. If you have questions about the referendum, please visit http://OurCubsOurFuture.org. The site also has a calculator so you can find the specific tax impact on your property. You can also reach out to me directly via email at erik.widvey@kimball.k12.mn.us or by phone at (320) 398-5585, ext. 1332.