District staff recommend delaying November 2024 bond after polling shows weak support

Matthew Schulenberg told the board that a community survey conducted by True North Research collected 520 completed responses from registered Apple Valley voters and indicated only modest support for a general obligation bond as currently proposed. Schulenberg said the data show the current local climate is "not favorable" to passing a bond in November 2024 and recommended the district continue refining its facility master plan and explore future election cycles.

A polling summary presented to the superintendent and cabinet earlier this week showed a final positive response of about 51 percent on the tested measure. Schulenberg described the sample as high quality and cautioned that the margin and local sentiment suggest the bond should not be placed on the November 2024 ballot. He recommended continuing planning work and keeping options open for later election dates.

Board members asked for more detail on question wording and breakdowns; Schulenberg said the consultant tested several points and the final question is the most important indicator. No formal bond action was taken at the meeting; staff will continue development of the facility master plan and consider additional community engagement before proposing a new timeline.