Staples-Motley Referendum 2026 Election Guide

STAPLES — The Staples-Motley School District is asking voters to approve $42.5 million in bonds to address a long list of maintenance and design needs impacting students' safety, education and extracurriculars.

The district said it has spent months gathering community and professional feedback on its plan to renovate, update and expand its facilities ahead of the April 14 election.

There's no one major project the money would go toward. Rather, the referendum would help pay for the laundry list of issues that come with facilities that are, on average, over 50 years old, like outdated brickwork and roofing and undersized classrooms.

The district has highlighted the need for new career and technical education spaces. Classes in welding, woodworking, automotive technology, machining and meat cutting are highly sought after by students, but a lack of space and outdated equipment limit educational opportunities.

Additionally, if voters say yes, the district would add four classrooms to the elementary school and move fifth grade there from the middle school. This would free up space for right-sizing classrooms and expanding career and technical education spaces.

The referendum would also support safety needs, like creating a secure entry at the middle/high school and updating the pickup/drop-off areas.

Where and when can I vote?

Staples-Motley School District residents can vote early by mail, vote early in person or vote on Election Day, April 14.

Ballots will automatically be sent to voters in mail ballot-only precincts.

Requests for an absentee ballot can be made any time online. Absentee ballots must be returned by 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Early in-person voting begins Feb. 27 at the Staples-Motley School District office, 905 Fourth St. NE, Staples. Voting will be open 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday through Friday, through April 13.

On Election Day, polls will be open 7 a.m.-8 p.m. at the Staples Community Center.

Where can I find more information about the referendum?

SpreadingOurWings.org was created by the Staples-Motley School District. It details the process, the district's challenges, it's plan to address them. It also has information about the tax impact and frequently asked questions.

The website includes images from inside the school and an interactive graphic detailing the numerous planned improvements.

What's on my ballot?

There will be just one question on the ballot, asking voters to approve $42.5 million in building bonds for facility improvements.

Under state law, the ballot must say that voting for a referendum will increase your taxes. But the Staples-Motley School District says because the new debt would be replacing old debt that is being paid off, the referendum's passage won't actually result in a tax increase.

Here's the exact language that will appear on the ballot (emphasis added):

"Shall the school board of Independent School District No. 2170 (Staples-Motley) be authorized to issue its general obligation school building bonds in an amount not to exceed $42,500,000 to provide funds for the acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities, including the construction and equipping of a secure entry and career and technical education (CTE) addition to the High School/Middle School site; the construction and equipping of an addition to the Elementary School; the renovation and remodeling of classrooms and restrooms at school sites and facilities; upgrades to casework and finishes; the acquisition and installation of furniture, fixtures and equipment at school sites and facilities; the construction of athletic and activity field improvements, including track replacement and renovations and upgrades to the football field, bleachers, press box, scoreboard, concession stand and locker rooms; the construction of upgrades and improvements to the High School/Middle School building envelope; and the acquisition and installation of lighting, acoustic, sound and other enhancements to the High School/Middle School auditorium?"

How much would the Staples-Motley referendum raise my taxes?

The school district says the referendum is tax-neutral, meaning it won't increase or decrease property taxes.

Under state law, the ballot must say that voting for a referendum will increase your taxes. But the district says because the new debt would be replacing old debt that is being paid off, the referendum's passage won't actually result in a tax increase.

Didn't Staples-Motley just have a referendum?

Voters rejected measures from Staples-Motley in 2019 and 2021, according to past reports from the Brainerd Dispatch.

Since then, the School Board has used non-voter-approved funding to address some needs, including updating heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems and kitchen spaces, parking, fire alarms and replacing some flooring and cabinetry, according to the district.

What happens if the referendum passes?

If voters approve the referendum, the district would start the design phase in May.

Construction would be phased to minimize disruptions to education, with all work completed by August 2029.

What happens if the referendum fails?

The school district says if the referendum fails, "Our schools will remain outdated with limited space for modern career training. Repairs will keep piling up, and safety upgrades will be delayed. Students will miss out on the chance to learn in safer, modern spaces that better prepare them for the future."

Am I registered to vote? How can I register?

Voters can confirm their registration here.

Not registered? You can register at your polling place on Election Day.

You will need some form of proof of residence, such as a valid driver's license or Tribal ID, a photo ID and document with your name and address or another registered voter who can confirm your address. Find more information here.