VALLEY CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – A public presentation about the $46 million dollar school referendum was held Tuesday, June 3rd in the Valley City High School, if the referendum passes during the June 10th special election it would allow the school district to build a new 3 through 12 school in Valley City.
Several public meetings centered on the pros and cons of either repairing their existing facilities for $37 million or building a new facility for $46 million have sparked discussions for and against the plan.
Valley City State University president Dr. Alan LaFave talked about why he supports the plan to build a new school and how it will help the community grow in the future.
But even though this parent expressed her concerns about the cost of the project, she said the school district will still have to face some tough decisions on how to repair existing facilities in the future.
Todd Christiansen said it’s time for the community to support the school district’s plan to build a new school.
This woman owns Ag land within the school district, she said while residential properties will receive a tax break, commercial and Ag land will not and that’s concerning to her and her family.
If the referendum passes, property taxes on a residential home valued at $100,000 would increase yearly by $336. While commercial property taxes would increase yearly by $373. Ag land taxes would increase by $3.60 per acre under this referendum.
If the referendum does not pass, school superintendent Josh Johnson talked about what the next steps will be for the school district.
What Happens if the Referendum Fails?
As we’ve shared the opportunities and vision of what a Yes vote would bring to Valley City Public Schools, it’s equally important to understand what a No vote could mean. This communication outlines the possible consequences that could follow if the school facility referendum on June 10, 2025, does not pass.
No Second Chance Until June 2026
Due to new state legislation, the district cannot bring another referendum vote to the public until June 2026. Some believe we could simply vote again in a few months—this is false. A full year will pass before we can try again to secure funding for either a new school or $37 million in repairs to our aging facilities.
Rising Construction Costs
Construction prices are currently favorable, with below-budget bids being seen across the state. If we wait until 2026, those costs are projected to rise significantly—resulting in millions more for the same project. Delaying may cost us more than just time; it could price us out of building altogether.
Cuts to Staffing and Programs
Without relief from a successful referendum, the district will need to continue cutting costs. This will likely include reductions in staffing and student programs after the 2025–2026 school year—further eroding the quality of education we can offer.
Closure and Sale of Washington Elementary School
To consolidate resources, the district would look to close and sell Washington Elementary.
4th grade would move to Jefferson Elementary.
5th and 6th grades would move to VCHS.
While this might reduce costs, it introduces several serious challenges:
No dedicated recess space for 5th/6th grade students.
Loss of Pre-K program space at Jefferson.
Increased traffic and parking issues at VCHS.
A compromised learning environment due to space constraints.
Sale of the District Office
The district would also pursue the sale of the District Office building and disperse staff and equipment across other district locations such as the Bus Shop (Old Miller Motors), HAC, or VCHS. This move, while saving money, would fragment our operational efficiency.
Ongoing Dependence on Outdated Schools and Infrastructure
Perhaps the most unavoidable outcome of a No vote is the continued, indefinite reliance on our aging school buildings. These facilities pose daily operational and safety challenges for students and staff. If this vote fails, an option will need to include invest $37 million in repairs—a solution that still results in paying nearly the same property tax as building a modern, efficient school for $46 million.
A Critical Choice for Our Community
On June 10, the future of Valley City Public Schools is in your hands.
We urge you to make your voice heard. Vote on Tuesday, June 10th, and choose a future that reflects the needs of our students, the expectations of our community, and the realities of responsible financial planning.
This vote is not just about buildings—it’s about the future we are willing to build for our children.
During the presentation members from the architectural firm of ICON Inc., talked about how the school district would save $750,000 annually in operating cost if the referendum passes. They also talked about how the recently passed state residential tax credit will benefit residential properties with $1,600 in property tax relief.
Voters who live in the Valley City School District are encouraged to vote on Tuesday, June 10th from 9am to 7pm in school district office building on Central Avenue.
