Chisago Lakes School District referendum fails; North Branch capital projects levy renewal voted down

Voters rejected both ballot questions in a Chisago Lakes School District referendum election on Tuesday.

The first question sought $48.1 million for acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities, including safety and security improvements at the primary school, middle school, high school, and Taylors Falls elementary school.

According to the unofficial results, it failed with 2,412 residents voting no, and 1,810 voting yes.

The second question was contingent on the first question passing, and looked for just over $7,500,000 for projects including athletic facilities improvements.

Voters rejected the question with 2,585 no votes, and 1,627 yes votes.

North Branch School District residents voted down renewing the school district’s expiring capital project levy for 10 years, with 599 voting no and 387 voting yes.

The levy was estimated to fund over $11.5 million in projects to increase access to technology for students and staff over a decade, starting with taxes payable in 2028.