Even though the General Election is still months away, there's a major push in Robbinsdale to drum up support for a hefty school referendum as residents are still smarting from a $20 million school district accounting error.
That error coupled with lower enrollment has forced some schools to close.
Residents are still angry, and the district is not in a good situation because of choices made by previous administrations, says BriAnn Foss with the community group "Yes 281" is advocating for the referendum.
"People are upset and they want to vote no to maybe hold our board and admin accountable, but I don't think that voting no will hold either of them accountable," Foss explains. "The only people who will be impacted are our students, and our teachers, and the people who are in those buildings every single day."
Foss says many inefficient school buildings need repair and important technology updates.
If passed, the average Robbinsdale taxpayer would pay an additional $15 to $20 per year in property taxes.
Yard signs urging residents to vote no have been up for weeks. Foss says it's a chance to turn things around despite the soured attitude from many residents.
"Passing this bond referendum will actually be able to be more efficient with our schools," Foss adds. "We won't have as many costs going out for repairs because our buildings just need so many repairs."
The proposal also includes closing one of the district's two high schools, Cooper or Armstrong, which Foss says would save $3 million a year alone.
Residents are still smarting from a $20 million school district accounting error
Residents are still smarting from a $20 million school district accounting error
