Making an informed decision: Colby School District’s Bond Referendum on November 5
As the Colby School District’s bond referendum on November 5 quickly approaches, we want to thank the community for its engagement and thoughtful discussions over the past months. This referendum represents a significant opportunity to invest in our schools, and now the decision rests with you, the voters. We want to ensure that everyone is equipped with the information they need to make an informed choice.
The bond referendum consists of two questions, each designed to address specific needs within the Colby School District: Question 1 focuses on districtwide facility improvements, including upgrades to HVAC systems, electrical and plumbing enhancements, roof and window replacements, safety and security upgrades, and the development of a new greenhouse and updated labs for our Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs.
Question 2 involves expanding the elementary school to create space for additional classrooms, art and music facilities, and a preschool program. This expansion will also enable grade reconfiguration, moving 4th grade back to the elementary school and 8th grade into the middle school, providing more appropriate learning environments for all students. By adjusting these grade levels, additional space will be freed up at the high school, allowing for expanded programming and increased flexibility to meet the evolving needs of students. This will support a broader range of courses and activities, enhancing the overall educational experience.
These proposed projects were developed with extensive input from the community, through surveys, open houses, and feedback sessions, ensuring that they align with the needs and priorities of Colby families and educators.
Throughout this process, we’ve heard many thoughtful questions from community members. Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions, along with our responses:
How will the bond impact my taxes?
The district has made efforts to minimize the tax impact by taking advantage of existing debt falling off. For specific details, we encourage you to use the tax calculator available on our website to see the potential financial impact based on your property value.
Why is it important to address these facility needs now?
Delaying these improvements will only lead to higher costs in the future due to rising construction and material prices. Addressing these issues now will help us maintain safe, energy-efficient facilities that support quality education for years to come.
What happens if the referendum does not pass?
If the referendum does not pass, the district will face difficult decisions regarding how to address our facility needs within a limited budget. This could include postponing critical repairs, which could lead to even higher costs down the line.
We encourage all eligible voters in the Colby School District to participate in this important decision. Voting will take place on Tuesday, November 5, at your designated polling location. If you are unsure of where to vote or if you need information about early voting or absentee ballots, please visit the district’s website or contact the local elections office. Depending on your voting location, some questions are on the back, so you need to flip your ballot over to ensure your voice is heard.
Your Voice Matters
This bond referendum is a crucial moment for our community. The decision we make on November 5 will shape the future of our schools and have a lasting impact on students, families, and the community at large. Whether you have children in the school system or not, the quality of our schools directly affects the strength and vitality of our community.
We encourage you to continue asking questions, exploring the information available, and, most importantly, voting on November 5. Your participation is vital to ensuring that we make the best possible decision for the future of the Colby School District.
Learn More
For more information about the bond referendum, including detailed project descriptions, financial considerations, and a tax calculator to see the impact on your property, please visit the district’s website at https://bit.ly/colby-ref24. Additionally, keep an eye out for our informational videos and mailers, which provide a visual overview of the proposed improvements.
Together, let’s make an informed decision for our students, schools, and our community.
BE OUR
G UEST
BY
PATRICK G ALLIGAN SUPERINTENDENT
COLBY SCHOOL DISTRICT
