Linton Families and Community Members,
On June 9th, our community will be asked to vote to set a mill levy number for our newly established Building Fund. Asking our patrons to vote on a tax increase is something we do not take lightly. We want to be transparent about our needs and our financial status. Our goal is to ensure each voter has the most accurate information as they go to the polls to make their decision.
This fall, Linton Public School completed a comprehensive Facility Condition Assessment conducted by Kraus-Anderson. That assessment identified approximately $15.2 million in deferred maintenance needs over the next 10 years across our Elementary (built in 1920), High School (1955), and Middle School (1974), along with site improvements.
I want to be very clear — we are not asking for $15.2 million, and it is not our intent to complete every item on that list. That simply is not financially realistic, nor is it responsible.
What the assessment does show is that we have significant infrastructure needs that must be addressed to keep our buildings safe, operational, and serving students well.
Some of the most critical needs include:
· Roof replacements
· Plumbing renovations
· HVAC and boiler work
· Electrical upgrades, including high school switchgear
· ADA accessibility upgrades
· Parking lot, sidewalk, and site repairs
These are not cosmetic projects. These are not “wants.” These are core infrastructure items that allow our school to function day in and day out.
Historically, we have budgeted about $150,000 per year from our General Fund for building and site needs. Over the past eight years, we’ve spent more than $1.3 million on maintenance.
Based on our Facility Assessment, we currently have $1.8 million dollars of items identified as in poor condition and that fall into the medium to high criticality threshold for our building to operate. These items would be our immediate focus with building fund dollars.
We have been blessed with amazing community support through donations and fundraisers, and we always pursue grant dollars when available. But the reality is that our current approach is not sustainable given the age of our facilities and rising costs.
At the same time, our district operates with an ending fund balance of approximately 27%, about $1.2 million, which represents only a few months of operating expenses. That balance is critical for payroll, utilities, emergencies, and cash flow. It is not a long-term solution for major infrastructure repairs.
A voter-approved Building Fund would:
· Be used only for building and major maintenance projects
· Not be used for salaries or daily operations
· Allow us to plan ahead and prioritize critical repairs
· Help us avoid a much larger emergency referendum in the future
The board is considering a number between 15 to 20 mills to be placed on the ballot.
Even with a 15 to 20 mill increase dedicated to a Building Fund, Linton Public School would still remain below the state average total mill levy for North Dakota K-12 school districts.
This proposal is about being proactive instead of reactive. It is about fixing roofs before they fail. Replacing boilers before they quit in January. Updating electrical systems before they become unsafe. Maintaining what this community has built over generations.
We will continue to prioritize carefully. We will continue to pursue grants and donations. We will continue to be transparent about where dollars are spent.
Most importantly, we will focus on the critical infrastructure necessary to keep our school open, safe, and operating for our students.
I encourage you to review the full PowerPoint presentation linked below, which outlines the Facility Condition Assessment findings and the financial details in greater depth. The presentation also outlines what 15 to 20 mills would mean for you financially as a residential property owner or an agricultural property owner.
If you have questions, please reach out to me. We will also host a community meeting this spring for discussion and Q&A.
Thank you for your time and your continued support of Linton Public School. This decision is important, and we respect the responsibility that comes with asking for your vote on June 9th.
Sincerely,
Michael Schirado
Superintendent, Linton Public School