Just the Facts! Madelia Public Schools Bond Information Guide - Election Day is November 4, 2025
Strong Community = Strong Schools
Community-centered, growth-oriented, solutions-focused. When residents think about their community, these phrases come to mind because of our recovery from the downtown fire. We think these same feelings apply to our schools. We are committed to the career and college readiness of all students. We are committed to efficiently providing the best staff, curriculum, and facilities to achieve this goal. To maintain these standards, it’s time to consider an investment in our schools.
Madelia schools need extensive repairs
While renovations in 2003 significantly updated the elementary school, originally constructed in 1950, the roof and HVAC systems need replacing. The high school opened in 1957, with renovations in 1970, requires more extensive improvements. We are currently using precious resources – both time and money – to repair systems that are beyond their useful lives. Annual maintenance dollars aren’t enough to cover the cost of these upgrades. That is why we’re proposing the “Strong Community = Strong Schools” referendum on the November 4th ballot.
The Need
Essential heating, cooling, and roofing systems are regularly failing in our school buildings. These deteriorating conditions and inadequate learning spaces are forcing compromises that directly impact our students' educational experience. The challenges our facilities face are below.
STUDENTS
- Career and Tech Ed (“Shop”), agriculture, and business classrooms and labs are outdated
- Interior finishes are worn
- Locker rooms lack capacity
- Gyms do not meet demand
SYSTEMS
- Outdated, inefficient heating and ventilation (HVAC)
- Plumbing, mechanical, and electrical systems exceed their service life
- Leaky roofs require constant repairs
- Deteriorated parking lots
- Inefficient lighting
SAFETY
- School entrances cannot be properly monitored
- High school bathrooms, elevator, locker rooms, and gym are not ADA accessible
- Vehicle traffic flow at elementary creates safety concerns
- Areas of the schools lack security cameras
The Process
The district worked with expert consultants to conduct a full analysis of the district’s current facilities and lead a process that engaged a broad cross-section of community leaders, school representatives, business owners, community members, agricultural leaders, and city officials to discuss the district’s buildings’ needs. After additional information was gathered through a community survey, the board chose to move forward with a referendum.
The Plan
A fiscally responsible plan to serve our communities for years to come. The renovations and additions proposed in the referendum will address three vital priorities:
- Supporting our Students with adequate learning environments
- Upgrading failing Systems throughout both schools
- Ensuring comprehensive Safety measures across both campuses
What’s on the Ballot?
To address the ongoing facility issues, the Madelia School Board unanimously approved asking voters to consider a bond referendum for buildings during the November 4 election. Voters will see two questions on the ballot.
- Comprehensive facility improvements including safety, security, accessibility upgrades, renovations, and deferred maintenance
- Construct an additional gymnasium, locker room, and weight training area at the high school
Frequently Asked Questions
Want to learn more? Click here to get detailed answers to the most common questions. Need more info or want to get involved?
