THE PLAN

A fiscally responsible plan to serve our communities for years to come.

The school board for Madelia Public Schools unanimously approved a bond referendum election for Nov. 4, 2025 that would raise funds to make renovations to the elementary and junior/senior high schools. The renovations and additions proposed in the referendum will address three vital priorities:

  • Supporting our Students with adequate learning environments

  • Upgrading failing Systems throughout both schools

  • Ensuring comprehensive Safety measures across both campuses

What’s on the Ballot?
Voters will see two questions on the ballot.

Question 1

Comprehensive facility improvements including safety, security, accessibility upgrades, renovations, and deferred maintenance. The amount requested in Question 1 is $22.5 million, of which approximately $6 million would be allocated to the elementary school, and $16.5 million to the high school.

Question 2

Construct an additional gymnasium, locker room, and weight training area at the high school. Question 2 is for $8 million.

Q: Does increasing funding for schools have any effect on academic outcomes?

A: The most rigorous research shows that, as scholars C. Kirabo Jacson and Claudia Persico put it, “there is a strong causal relationship between increased school spending and student achievement.”

To read the scholar’s review of that research, please visit: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/pam.22520. 

Proposed Referendum Improvements: Question 1

Elementary School

  • Roof Replacement

  • Create secure front entry

  • Bus lane to improve parking lot safety

  • Card access/cameras to improve building security

  • New HVAC equipment

  • Chiller plant 

  • Boiler plant

Junior/Senior High School

  • Roof Replacement

  • Restroom renovations to meet Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility compliance

  • Interior finishes to address wear and tear in our 68 year old building

  • Kitchen renovation 

  • Locker room renovations

  • Lab renovations

  • Parking lot replacement

  • Elevator

  • Secured entrance

  • Card access/camera

  • New HVAC equipment

  • Chiller plant

  • Fire Alarm System

Question 2

Junior/Senior High School

  • Gymnasium

  • Weight room

  • Support spaces

  • Parking lot

Why is a gymnasium needed?

First and foremost, physical education classes are required by the Minnesota Department of Education. Madelia students use the gymnasium and weight room for classes but space is limited. The gymnasium at the high school is the only regulation gym in the district, restricting the number of practices, activities, and events we can schedule. Currently, gyms cannot meet the demand for the number of activities being requested. This project would build an additional competition gymnasium and fitness center, allowing the district to hold more school and community events than our current facility.

How the Referendum Impacts the Tech Ed (Shop), Agriculture, and Business classrooms

The school district’s plan is to update and renovate its Career and Technical Education (CTE) facilities—including the Tech Ed (Shop), Agriculture, and Business classrooms. These changes will support the expansion of hands-on learning opportunities and better prepare students for careers in high-demand fields.

Key outcomes:

  • Expanded Program Offerings: Enhanced Tech Ed curriculum to include additional trade pathways aligned with industry needs.

  • Industry Partnerships: Strategic partnerships with local businesses to create feeder programs and potential work-based learning opportunities for students.

  • Facility Upgrades: Dust collection system would improve safety, air quality, and compliance with modern standards in the shop areas.