Monticello schools look ahead after voters reject bond issue

MONTICELLO - School officials are considering next steps after voters overwhelmingly rejected a $22 million bond issue. 72 percent of voters voted against the measure, with 28 percent supporting it.

This was the first time in nearly two decades that the district asked voters to approve millions of dollars of work.

'I was not surprised, but I did think the vote would be closer,” said Johna Phillipson, a Monticello mother of three. 'I don't think people felt like there was a very distinct plan with that amount of money.”

Officials had planned renovations and expansions on some existing buildings, but also had plans for new construction.

The district wanted to sell or tear down two elementary schools, building one, central site. Then, they planned to build and connect a new 6th through 8th grade middle school to the current high school.

For now, officials are looking at what part of that plan could change to convince voters the bond should pass in the future. School board president Chris Brokaw said community engagement is key for that process to be successful.

'I hope going forward one of the take-aways is that people are more actively involved and ask more questions to have a better understanding of what it is we're trying to accomplish,” Brokaw said.

For now, Brokaw said the district facilities committee will meet and review what work needs to be done. From there, they'll ask for community input before deciding if they'll ask for a new vote in the future.