PLANNING FOR OUR
FUTURE TIGERS
We’re proud of our school and what we provide our Tigers. From small class sizes and strong academic opportunities to our trades programs, robotics, arts, and athletics, our school is an important part of our community, and so are you. Together, we’re Nevis.
After last April, we heard your feedback and regrouped. We heard your concerns about the cost and scope, and we listened. Although last year’s referendum didn’t pass, our needs haven’t gone away. What we heard helped shape the plan you’ll see this November. The updated plan is smaller, more focused, and centered on the needs that can’t wait much longer. We're focusing on safe entrances, aging building systems, improved learning spaces, and making sure our students and staff have the room they need to succeed.
At the end of the day, this is your school. We appreciate everyone who has taken the time to share feedback, ask questions, and be part of this conversation. Stay tuned for more information this summer and fall. Go Tigers!
TOGETHER, WE ARE NEVIS
Our Biggest Needs
As we've looked at our building, we've seen more and more spaces being stretched beyond what they were designed for. Our trades and Career and Technical Education (CTE) classrooms are outdated. We lack small-group areas for our students and for supporting our elementary Special Education. Our entrance needs security improvements. Our HVAC systems are aging. And our cafeteria, commons, and physical education spaces no longer fit our needs.
More than half of our building was built in 1987, which wasn’t designed for today’s learning. Since then, we’ve changed what we offer and have added all-day kindergarten, preschool for 3- and 4-year-olds, trades courses, and more. Our school board capped open enrollment to keep class sizes small, and we currently serve about 600 students. The students we serve through open enrollment bring additional state funding into our district, helping support opportunities such as college-credit coursework, career and technical programming, activities, and athletics that benefit all students.
When we look at our spaces, we’re also comparing them to the Minnesota Department of Education’s guidelines for constructing school buildings today. Take a look at the chart below to learn how our spaces compare.
At the end of the day, we need more space and spaces that better support our students and staff.
On Tuesday, November 3, you'll see three ballot questions. The first focuses on additions and renovations that address our most immediate needs. The second would add physical education and fitness space. The third would add bus garage space. Each question allows you to consider those investments separately.
What We’re Asking Residents to Consider
Addressing Our Most Immediate Needs
Question 1 focuses on additions and renovations that support student learning and improve safety. This includes updated Career and Technical Education (CTE) spaces, additional classrooms, improvements to existing learning spaces, a secure entrance, updates to the kitchen, cafeteria, and restrooms, and other needed building improvements and maintenance projects.
Additional Physical Education and Fitness Space
Question 2 would add a new multi-purpose gymnasium and fitness area, along with supporting spaces such as restrooms and additional parking.
This question can only pass if Question 1 passes.
Bus Maintenance and Storage Space
Question 3 would add a new bus maintenance building to help support the district's transportation needs and provide additional space for maintaining school vehicles.
This question can only pass if Question 1 passes.
More details about the plan will be available this summer and early fall, so stay tuned!
How This Impacts You
We know every tax dollar matters. That’s why we’ve worked to keep this proposal focused on the needs we continue to hear from you. It’s also why you will have the opportunity to consider three separate questions.
For a $386,100 home, the estimated tax impact would be $23 per month for Question 1, $13 per month for Question 2, and $1 per month for Question 3–a combined $37 per month if all three questions pass.
An online tax calculator will be made available sometime this summer.
At the same time, there are maintenance projects that can’t wait any longer. Minnesota school boards can approve certain projects without voter approval as part of Long-Term Facilities Maintenance (LTFM) plans. These dollars can be used for things like asbestos abatement, indoor air quality, fire suppression, and roofing. Our school board approved using $8.07 million to complete a roof replacement, indoor air quality improvements, and electrical updates. These important improvements will help keep our building safe and functional for students and staff. For a $386,100 home, the tax impact will be about $10.75 per month starting in 2026.
Click the chart to see it in a larger view.
Homestead Credit Refund
Through the Minnesota Department of Revenue, the Homestead Credit Refund Program offers a refund to homeowners who meet certain qualifications. The amount of the refund is based on household income and total property taxes paid. To receive the refund, you must file Form M1PR with the Minnesota Department of Revenue. The proposed referendum may make you eligible for this refund or increase the amount you receive. Here is a table illustrating some examples of the impact relative to the proposed bond referendum. Learn more here.
Requirements:
Your total household income must be less than $142,490.
You must be a Minnesota resident or part-year resident to qualify for a property tax refund.
You must have owned and occupied your home on January 2, 2026.
Your property must be classified as your homestead, or you must have applied for homestead classification and had it approved.
Your homestead must have no delinquent property taxes. Generally, property taxes are not delinquent if you have either paid them or signed a confession of judgment.
Check Out These Resources and Articles
Over the last several years, we’ve worked hard to understand our needs, especially after last April’s referendum failed. We listened and heard your feedback. Here are some helpful resources about the process, with more information coming soon!
Nevis in the News
5.21.26 | Park Rapids Enterprise | “Nevis Bond Referendum Survey Shows 70% Support”
4.28.26 | Park Rapids Enterprise | “Nevis Superintendent Will Speak About Referendum at More Events”
4.26.26 | Park Rapids Enterprise | “Nevis School District Pitches Draft Bond Referendum”
4.26.26 | Park Rapids Enterprise on TikTok | “Nevis Open House Recap”
3.31.26 | The Pilot-Independent | “Open House Planned for Nevis School $25 Million Referendum”
3.26.26 | Park Rapids Enterprise | “Preliminary Plan for Nevis Public School Remodel Ready for Commentary”
2.25.26 | Park Rapids Enterprise | “Nevis School Pondering How to Pitch Bond Question to Local Voters”
Have Questions? Reach Out Now!
Making an investment in our school is a decision you will make. Early and absentee voting begins Friday, September 18. We encourage you to learn more, ask questions, stay involved, and vote.
Fill out this quick form, and we will be in touch!