St. Louis Park Voters Face $136M School Bond for Tech, Boilers on Aug. 11

The St. Louis Park School Board unanimously approved two ballot questions April 12 for an Aug. 11 special election, seeking voter approval for a $136 million bond referendum and a renewed $500,000 capital projects levy for technology.[3] The bond targets critical upgrades including replacement of aging boilers at the high school, energy conservation measures, safety enhancements and unfinished projects from a 2017 voter-approved package derailed by pandemic-era cost surges, supply chain issues and new regulations.[1][3] District officials emphasize these investments stabilize operations and improve the daily experience for roughly 4,500 students across St. Louis Park Public Schools, a key west Twin Cities district.[1] For the typical homeowner with a $331,800 median-valued property, approval means an extra $18.92 monthly or $227 annually in property taxes.[3] Earlier district messaging cited $30 monthly for a $400,000 home, highlighting the modest per-household impact of the package.[1] Superintendent Jamie Verbrugge and board members frame it as a long-term return, with boiler replacements projected to pay off in 7-10 years through efficiency gains.[1] Failure looms with consequences: Without the funds, maintenance costs would drain the general fund, potentially triggering staff reductions, according to district business official Hines.[1] The technology levy renewal ensures continued device and infrastructure updates amid rising digital demands in Minnesota classrooms.[3][4] This vote comes after the district's 2025 school board elections, where voters backed incumbents in the nonpartisan race.[5]