Shakopee voters have approved both ballot questions posed during Tuesday's special election, approving a $102.5 million bond to fund a high school addition and a new technology levy at a cost of $2.5 million a year for 10 years.
Shakopee district passes both referendum questions
After a referendum aiming to build a second high school failed in Shakopee last spring, the district retooled their request, asking voters to fund a high school addition and a technology levy.
By erinadler
May 6, 2015 at 7:43PM
The first question, the building bond, passed with 66 percent approval. The technology levy, or question two, was approved by 61 percent of voters.
"You know, the first thing I really feel is a huge sense of gratitude," said Superintendent Rod Thompson. "It's that sense of relief, almost, that you got it right by listening to the people."
The high school addition will double the school's capacity and allow ninth graders to attend, while sixth graders move up to the middle schools. It will also include updates to districtwide security and the development and expansion of several athletic facilities. The additional space will make room for the district's growing enrollment.
The technology levy will allow the district to increase students' access to technology and pay for staff training as well.
Thompson said he wasn't sure if the technology levy would go over well with voters, since earmarking levy funds just for use on technology is still a fairly new concept. But voters sent a "clear and loud" message of support, he said.
Voters gave the requests a thumbs up after a failed referendum last spring. That proposal would have built a second high school.
The high school addition will be complete for the 2018-19 school year. The total tax impact for owners of a $200,000 home is about $285 annually.
Shakopee was one of 14 districts with referendums on the ballot in May. Most were asking voters for funds to renovate buildings, with a few requesting new schools or additions.
