Special Referendum Issue - School Pages - October 2022 - Voter Guide

Aug 27, 2026

A special referendum issue of School Pages for October 2022 explains why community support matters for Bloomington schools and links school strength to community well-being. It presents Superintendent Eric Melbye’s message, including challenges such as teacher turnover, mental health concerns, and increasing violence. The issue also provides practical guidance for early voting, voter registration, absentee voting, and Election Day voting hours for November 8. It details the referendum feature on renewing the school safety and technology levy and outlines proposed 2025–2034 funding priorities for safety, security, and learning technologies.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages4

Reading Time10 min

AccessFree to download

A Message from Superintendent Eric Melbye

Strong schools and strong community

Challenges and responsibilities

Cast Your Vote

Early voting and voter registration

Absentee and early voting details

College students voting

Election Day voting hours

Referendum Feature

School Board favors renewal of capital projects levy

Proposed 2025-2034 renewal funding

School Safety & Security

Next Technologies for Learning

SPECIAL REFERENDUM ISSUE SCHOOL PAGES October 2022 A Message from Superintendent Eric Melbye Connections between strong schools, strong community One of the joys of being superintendent is to connect with students, staff, families and community residents. I had plenty of opportunities during the first weeks of school, cheering on our home teams, attending fall activities, and reconnecting with business, community and civic leaders. I love sharing our school success stories. They reflect the authentic experiences taking place within our classrooms and schools. I hope they provide insights about what schools are today, and a sense of pride about being a member of our school community. I’ve also been taking time to talk about the safe and innovative schools levy renewal that is on the November ballot. On a recent occasion, I was asked,“Why should I care about the upcoming levy request if I don’t have children in school anymore?” It’s a good question. After all, schools are for children and families. But are they just for children and families? Studies show that strong communities and strong schools are co-equal partners. The benefits of a strong school district are crystal clear. Quality schools maintain and increase property values, provide a qualified workforce, lower crime rates, create a strong sense of community, support more stable families, and enhance public services with less demand on social programs. Bloomington has a long history-over 100 years-of having a strong school district and strong community. We are not without challenges. Teacher turnover, mental health and behavioral issues, increase in violence and division pose a very real threat of compromising students’ ability to learn and thrive. As leaders, it is our responsibility to maintain our strong tradition of academic achievement under complex changes and challenges. With this cornerstone of belief, I’ve worked with our leaders and employees to prepare for the safe and innovative schools levy renewal, along with a new strategic plan process to prepare us to grow and change to meet the needs of our students and families. We’ve made a commitment to maintain the great and invest further in our schools and our students because it is important for our community. Our students today and tomorrow will have a better opportunity for success so long as we join together in ensuring a strong school district and strong community. Superintendent Eric Melbye walks with the Bloomington community during Heritage Days parade CAST YOUR Vote Voting is easy! Early voting is now open, and Minnesota allows legal residents to vote early. This is a convenient option for busy parents, caregivers, residents and college students. VOTER REGISTRATION Are you registered? Check your registration status and register to vote online at [mnvotes.org](mnvotes.org) or register in person when you vote early or on Election Day. Voter registration applications for non-English speaking residents are available at [bit.ly/register-on-paper](bit.ly/register-on-paper). ABSENTEE AND EARLY VOTING Vote early in person: Bloomington Civic Plaza 1800 W Old Shakopee Road Regular hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. -4:30 p.m. Extended hours: Saturday, Nov. 5, 10 a.m. -3 p.m. Monday, Nov. 7, 8 a.m. -5 p.m. Vote early by mail: [bit.ly/vote-early-by-mail](bit.ly/vote-early-by-mail) COLLEGE STUDENTS Students attending college who wish to vote must complete an absentee ballot application at [bit.ly/](bit.ly/)[ ](bit.ly/)[vote-early-by-mail](vote-early-by-mail. An absentee ballot with a postage-)[. An absentee ballot with a postage-](vote-early-by-mail. An absentee ballot with a postage-)paid envelope will be mailed to the student’s college residence address. Absentee ballots must be received on or before Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 8 Applications may be returned by mail (City Clerk’s Office, 1800 W. Old Shakopee Rd., Bloomington, MN 55431), orin person

FAQs

Why does the issue emphasize strong schools and a strong community?

It states that studies show strong communities and strong schools are co-equal partners, bringing benefits such as higher property values, a qualified workforce, lower crime rates, stronger community cohesion, and improved public services.

What actions does the School Board seek from voters in November 2022?

The issue asks voters to support renewal of the Safe and Innovative Schools capital projects levy, which is set to expire in 2024, for another 10 years.

What are key consequences if voters do not renew the levy?

A loss of current revenue would trigger significant budget reductions affecting staffing and intervention and prevention programs, improved security measures, and technology systems.

Aug 27, 2026

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