FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Questions About The Need:

  • Education and careers are evolving – and Princeton Area students need learning spaces that evolve with them. 

    We have experienced incredible changes in how we educate and prepare students for career pathways in the 60 years since the high school was built. Today, in addition to reading, math, and traditional education, our students explore authentic, hands-on careers in healthcare, automotive technology, culinary arts, construction and engineering, manufacturing, and more. But the classrooms and tools they rely on are outdated, undersized, and do not meet safety or accessibility standards.

    In order to help our students flourish and grow, facilities need to be reimagined, and we have reached the point where we need outside funding to support critical investments in our classrooms, infrastructure and technology. That is why district voters are being asked to consider a single ballot question this May. 

    If approved, this referendum would direct $51.35 million to CTE spaces, classrooms, and building infrastructure in our high school, and provide $750,000 annually over the next decade for essential classroom technology. Together, these investments will bring our learning environments up to modern standards.

    • We have overcrowding and accessibility challenges: In 1966, Princeton High School was built to house the 500 students we had. It now serves over 1,000 students. Additionally, the original 1966 classrooms were built for another era, with a style and size that do not match the needs of our current educational system. Our current facilities have not kept up with the times and cannot offer the educational resources our community values for our students.

    • Our classrooms and labs/Career and Technical Education (CTE) spaces are insufficient and outdated: 

      • Most spaces in our high school are more than 60 years old. 

      • Our Career and Technical Education (CTE) areas take place in pole sheds that were built in 1970 as a ‘temporary’ solution and do not meet today’s industry standards and therefore do not prepare our students for careers and life after high school. 

      • The shop spaces for welding, construction, machining, and engine mechanics are undersized and outdated. 

      • Students pursuing healthcare careers do not have a dedicated classroom space to learn, so they must travel to Milaca to earn their CNA certification. 

      • Our culinary space was not designed for today’s commercial kitchen standards, and our students are preparing for the future on stoves from the 80s. 

    • Our infrastructure is aging: 

      • The high school boiler is original to the building, and the hallways are narrow and poorly lit. 

      • The middle school roof is nearing the end of its useful life. 

    • We don’t have the essential, updated technology needed to support all types of learning: The proposed tech levy allows the district to equip students and classrooms with current and relevant education technologies.

  • Even though the 2025 Roaring Forward Referendum failed, our schools’ needs have not changed. That is why the Princeton School Community residents will be asked to consider a single ballot question again this May. Most of our high school classrooms and learning spaces are outdated and undersized. Students lack the modern tools, safety features, accessibility, and industry-standard environments they need to succeed. 

    Investments in Career and Technical Education (CTE), classrooms, building infrastructure, and technology are essential for student success and the long-term strength of our community. 

    Guided by residents, the district studied these needs in depth for more than two years. This plan reflects that work. Waiting would only delay critical investments in our 60-year-old building and likely increase costs. Reducing the scope would leave critical needs unmet.

    Our goal is to improve our school buildings and build a strong future for Princeton Public Schools students and our community, while using taxpayer dollars wisely and responsibly. We have looked at every other option. The only way to make investments of this size is through a voter‑approved referendum.

Questions About The Proposed Referendum:

  • On Tuesday, May 12, 2026, Princeton Public School District voters will consider a single ballot question to support student achievement and career readiness by replacing outdated learning spaces and investing in technology that prepares students for success in an ever-changing world. 

    The single ballot question asks voters to consider:

    A $51.35 million building bond to: 

    • Replace and modernize Career and Technical Education (CTE) spaces

    • Renovate outdated classrooms and science labs

    • Address overcrowding and accessibility challenges

    • Update aging infrastructure such as boilers and roofs

    A $750,000/year capital projects levy (tech levy) to: 

    • Fund essential classroom technology

    • Support devices, software, infrastructure, and training

    To learn more about the proposed referendum, visit the Proposed Referendum page.

  • In November 2021 the school board put two questions on the ballot seeking to complete critical updates at our school buildings and activities spaces. After these questions were not approved, the district created a community task force to evaluate options to improve learning spaces and hear the priorities of community members.

    The task force spent nearly two years carefully evaluating our biggest facilities needs. These efforts included:

    • Comprehensive facility studies

    • Educational adequacy assessments

    • Eleven community listening sessions

    • Demographic and enrollment studies

    • A representative survey of staff and district residents

    A community task force of more than 30 local residents considered the results and provided recommendations to the Princeton School Board. Financial and construction experts reviewed the recommendations, and the board finalized the proposed referendum.

    On August 5, 2025 the board approved a resolution to call for a special election. After the November 2025 referendum narrowly failed, the school board listened to feedback and reevaluated options, determining that the Roaring Forward investment plan is still the best path forward for addressing our district’s challenges and supporting students.

    To learn more about the planning process, visit the Process page.

  • Our vision is to equip every student to be career and college ready through personalized instruction, community partnerships, and collaboration.

    If approved by voters, this proposed referendum would:

    • Create new space and equipment for career and technical education in areas such as healthcare, automotive technology, construction and engineering, welding, woods, machining, culinary arts, business, and more. 

    • Update core education spaces that support our innovative curriculum, giving students and teachers safe and collaborative spaces to work, learn and prepare for their future. 

    • Invest in maintenance to keep our schools comfortable and energy-efficient, saving our district money on repairs and energy costs for many years to come.

    • Improve amenities used by all students, community members, and visitors, supporting physical education and community activities at our schools, while improving their accessibility, privacy, and longevity.

    • Provide funding for technology essential to operating classrooms and for career-specific learning, including maintaining and updating devices, software, and technology infrastructure that supports classrooms and career training.

  • Princeton High School students have a variety of interests and career aspirations. Our vision is to equip every student to be career and college-ready. About half of our students will pursue careers that require a four-year degree and about half of our students will pursue careers that require an apprenticeship, associate’s degree or on-the-job training. Whatever their path, Princeton High School inspires students to explore careers, discover their passions and talents, and plan for their future. Learn more about Tiger Career Academies here.

  • If the referendum is not approved, many of our classrooms will remain outdated and poorly suited to today’s hands-on, collaborative learning. Career and technical education spaces — some of which are over 50 years old — will continue to operate in temporary, undersized facilities that limit enrollment and pose safety concerns. 

    Without dedicated funding for technology, the district will need to rely on its general fund to cover rising costs for devices, software, and infrastructure, putting pressure on resources meant for classroom instruction and student support. Ultimately, students will miss out on the modern tools and learning environments they need to prepare for college, careers, and life in an ever-changing world.

  • 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. 

  • A capital projects levy – often referred to as a technology levy – is a voter-approved local property tax used for specific technology, transportation, and capital needs. Technology levies provide more flexibility to use general fund dollars for instruction and student support. This type of levy applies to all property types, including agricultural and seasonal recreational property.

  • Each part of the proposed referendum supports different but equally important needs in our schools. The bond focuses on major updates to learning spaces, like expanding career and technical education areas and renovating outdated classrooms. The capital projects levy provides funding for essential technology that supports student learning and career readiness.

    By proposing both types of levies in a single question, the district is taking a balanced approach: addressing long-term facility needs while also keeping up with the fast-changing technology students rely on every day. 

  • Strong schools promote strong families and businesses, maintain property values, help stimulate economic growth, and create local job opportunities. Our school also serves as a hub for community education, events, and athletics. 

Questions About The Tax Impact:

  • If approved, the proposed referendum would result in a $14/month tax increase for the owner of a median-value home in the district (approx. $350,000) starting in 2027. 

    To see the tax impact on your property, use our Tax Calculator.  

  • Yes. Minnesota offers several tax refunds and deferrals. Over half a million Minnesotans receive the Homestead Credit Refund. Visit our Tax Relief Opportunities page to learn how this refund could help offset your tax impact.

  • Yes. The tax calculator was developed by Ehlers, a financial services company with 70 years of referendum financing experience. It uses public property value data within Princeton Public School District’s boundaries as provided from each county, and existing state law to determine your tax burden for the 2027 tax year.

    However, the calculator cannot predict impacts to your taxes resulting from changes to the assessed value of your property, or changes to county or city levies.

  • Definitely! Often, school districts will adjust when bonds are issued to take advantage of lower interest rates. If interest rates drop significantly, school districts can refinance bonds at the lower rate. Taxpayers benefit from these savings with a lower tax impact.

    For the proposed referendum, the bonds would also be phased in gradually as old debt expires. Doing so creates a more consistent payment schedule for the district and provides a more predictable tax rate for residents. This plan was included in the Review and Comment document for the project that was vetted and approved by the Minnesota Department of Education. This can be found on pages 35-38.

  • No. If approved, the capital projects levy would remain in place for 10 years. The bond levy would remain in place for 20 years or until the bonds are paid off – whichever happens first.  

  • Your tax impact is determined by your property’s Net Tax Capacity (NTC). Your NTC is computed by taking the assessed market value of your property (as determined by the county) and multiplying it by a classification tax rate determined by the State Legislature. There are different tax rates for different property types – for example, a residential property and a business property may both be valued at $350,000, but businesses have a higher classification tax rate, meaning the business has a higher NTC. 

    Your taxes for the referendum are determined by what share your property makes up of the district’s total Net Tax Capacity. This percentage determines how much of the referendum cost you end up paying.

    For example: If your property makes up 0.00006% of the district’s net tax capacity, and the referendum levy collects $3 million per year, you will pay $168/year, equivalent to $14/month. These numbers approximately represent what an average home in Princeton School District will pay for the proposed referendum.

  • Start by contacting the district at election@isd477.org. We will work with you directly with help from Ehlers, as needed.

  • If voters approve the Roaring Forward referendum, the owner of an average-value home would see a school tax increase of about $14 per month starting in 2027. The district can keep the increase at this level by using wraparound financing. This means the district would start to pay for new improvements while finishing payments on earlier school bonds, including the 2014 bonds that helped build the primary school. 

    Once the 2014 bonds are paid off in seven years, the tax dollars that supported the primary school project will shift to paying for the new improvements in the Roaring Forward plan. Many Minnesota school districts use this approach because it helps keep school taxes steadier while still allowing districts to make needed updates to schools

Questions About Design/Construction:

  • If voters approve the referendum, the district would move into the design phase in late 2026. The design phase would include feedback from staff, parents, and residents. Bidding on the project would likely take place in late 2026 or early 2027. Renovation and construction would likely begin in 2027, with project completion estimated in 2029. 

  • The district would work with construction crews, teachers, and staff to minimize disruptions and ensure student safety. 

  • The district has worked closely with ICS, a consulting firm experienced in school construction, to ensure the project will remain on time and on budget.

Questions About Voting:

  • Election Day is Tuesday, May 12, 2025.

    Early voting will be available via mail or in-person absentee ballot starting Friday, March 27.

    • In-person early voting will be available on weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. at the District Center, which is located at 706 1st Street, Princeton, MN 55371 (Door #20) 

    • To request an absentee ballot mailed to you, submit an absentee ballot application to the District Center. 

    Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at two locations on Election Day, May 12, 2025:

    • The Princeton Depot/Museum: This combined polling place serves all territory in Independent School District No. 477 located in Bogus Brook Township, Greenbush Township, Milo Township, Princeton Township and the residents from City of Princeton (Precinct 0110) that reside within Mille Lacs County, Minnesota; Glendorado Township in Benton County, Minnesota; and Dalbo Township, Spencer Brook Township, and Wyanett Township in Isanti County, Minnesota.

      • 101 S 10th Street, Princeton, MN

    • Baldwin Town Hall: This combined polling place serves all territory in Independent School District No. 477 located in the City of Baldwin, Blue Hill Township, Santiago Township, and City of Princeton residents (Precinct 0085) that reside within in Sherburne County, Minnesota.

      • 30239 128th Street, Baldwin, MN

    To learn more about early voting or how to request an absentee ballot, visit the Voting page. 

  • Yes, the sample ballot can be viewed here.

questions?

Can’t find an answer to your question on this website? Below are several additional ways to get in touch with the district regarding the proposed referendum: