United South Central to seek MDE review for $22.9 million bond referendum; board authorizes review-and-comment submission

The United South Central Schools Board voted to submit a review-and-comment application to the Minnesota Department of Education seeking state review of a proposed building bond referendum, with a preliminary project estimate of $22,900,000.

‘‘This does not lock us into an election,’’ Superintendent Dr. Taylor Topinka told the board, describing the step as the first in a timeline that would allow the district to return in July to consider ballot language before formally placing a question on the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot if the board chooses to proceed.

Topinka said the district postponed the item from the May agenda to ensure maximum community input and to meet the department’s timeline for a November election. The review-and-comment submission is required by the Department of Education before local ballot language is finalized and submitted to the county.

Board members discussed the schedule and outreach plans; staff will return in July with proposed ballot language and additional detail should the board decide to proceed to a formal referendum.

What’s next: the district plans community outreach and to bring proposed ballot language back to the board in July for consideration. The review-and-comment step initiates state feedback but does not obligate the district to an election.