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Mellen School District Capital Referendum Survey

What is a capital referendum?

A capital referendum gives our community the opportunity to decide whether the school district can borrow money for important building improvements. We’re considering a referendum to support maintenance and upgrades to our facilities, and we’d like to hear your thoughts on which projects matter most to you.
Please take a moment to respond to the following survey.
1.What is your age?
2.Do you live in the Mellen School District?
3.Are you an employee of the school district?
4.Do you have children attending the Mellen School District?
5.Please select all that apply:
6.How do you receive school district information? (Select all that apply)
7.How do you feel the District is doing in each of the following areas?
Very Satisfied
Satisfied
Neutral
Dissatisfied
Very Dissatisfied
Delivering a high quality education
Keeping the public informed
Managing funds appropriately
Building pride in the community
8.What issues do you believe are most important for the school district to address?
The Mellen School District has not sought a capital referendum since the year 2000, when it requested $350,000 to replace heating boilers and convert the steam heating system to hot water. Since that time, the district has demonstrated fiscal responsibility by using general funds to maintain its facilities. However, with education funding failing to keep pace with inflation, the district is now unable to finance significant maintenance projects through its general fund.
Approving a $1.5 million referendum will raise the mill rate by $1.22 per thousand, resulting in a $122 annual tax increase for a $100,000 home over five years. A $2 million referendum will raise the mill rate by $1.71 per thousand, resulting in an additional $171 in taxes per year for a $100,000 home over five years.
9.Are you in favor of a $1.5 million referendum to support a series of essential improvements and renovations to our school's facilities? Key projects on the priority list include:

Exterior: Paving the river and back parking lots, replacing four sections of roof, updating lighting, and replacing inadequate windows and doors.

Interior: Upgrades in the technolopgy education room, updating flooring in the office and entrances, refinishing the large gym floor, and remodeling the small gym, office bathroom, and science room.

Maintenance: Adding attic insulation and pest control.
10.Would you support a $2 million referendum to fund major school improvements? The projects on the ballot would include all the items from the previous list, plus the following additions:

  • Upgrades to the large gym air-handling system to reduce humidity
  • Renovation and relocation of the fitness center
  • Outdoor learning space
  • Additional flooring updates
  • Replacement of some lockers
  • Updating furnishings in some rooms
  • Adding athletic storage
11.What concerns, if any, do you have about passing a referendum?
12.In addition to the current referendum projects, what other facility improvements would you recommend for the Mellen School District? Your input is valuable as we plan for future upgrades.
Thank you so much for your feedback! If you'd like to talk with the superintendent about the survey or share your thoughts on the school's future, please feel free to reach out to them by email at skopka@mellendiggers.org.