By the Education Magazine | June 30, 2026
The East Grand Forks bond referendum moved one step closer to voters after the East Grand Forks School Board approved an operational tax levy and two bond referendum questions for the November 3, 2026, election.
The measures are intended to address projected budget pressures while funding facility improvements and early childhood education projects across the district.
The board developed the proposals with input from a community task force and resident surveys. Voters will decide each measure separately, allowing them to approve or reject individual funding requests at the ballot box.
Key Takeaways
- The East Grand Forks bond referendum will appear on the November ballot.
- The package includes a $600,000 annual operational tax levy and up to $32 million in bond funding.
- Proposed projects include school safety upgrades, building improvements and a new preschool facility.
- Residents will decide all three ballot measures in November.
The Three Ballot Questions
The East Grand Forks School Board separated the funding request into three ballot questions, allowing voters to decide on each proposal individually.
Question 1: Operational Tax Levy
A $600,000 annual levy for 10 years to support school operations, retain teachers, and protect student programs.
Question 2: School Construction Bond
A bond of up to $24 million over 20 years for school safety improvements, building upgrades, and deferred maintenance.
Question 3: Preschool Bond
A bond of up to $8 million over 20 years to build a consolidated early childhood education facility.
Important: Question 3 will only move forward if voters first approve Question 2.
Why the District Is Seeking the East Grand Forks Bond Referendum
Minnesota school districts must receive voter approval before increasing operational spending through local referendums.
District officials say rising costs for technology, special education services, and facility maintenance have placed increasing pressure on school budgets.
Earlier this year, East Grand Forks schools faced difficult budget decisions that threatened the school resource officer position, student social work services, and the high school speech team.
Following community feedback, the board restored those positions by making reductions elsewhere in the budget.
Community Task Force Presenter Rachel Lundboom recommended a $600,000 annual operating levy for 10 years, saying the proposal would provide stable funding while limiting the overall tax impact.
What Would the Bond Funding Pay For?
If voters approve the East Grand Forks school funding, the proposal would support:
- Secure Main Entryways: Redesigning campus entryways lacking a direct line-of-sight from the main administrative office to effectively screen visitors.
- ADA Accessibility Compliance: Updating multiple school sites that still lack modern elevators and fully accessible restroom facilities for students and staff with physical disabilities.
- Aging Mechanical Systems: Replacing outdated HVAC units and installing efficient building climate controls to ensure reliable air quality and lower utility bills.
- Specialized Learning Spaces: Expanding classrooms to accommodate a growing enrollment of students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and proper behavioral support spaces.
What Happens Next?
The East Grand Forks bond referendum and operational tax levy will appear before voters during the Nov. 3, 2026 election.
If approved, the measures would support school operations while funding construction projects, safety upgrades and expanded preschool services over the coming years.
The district also plans to hold public information sessions before Election Day to explain the proposals and their estimated tax impacts.
Also Read: Trump’s Student Loan Changes Bring New Repayment Rules and Loan Limits
