FAQs

The referendum is designed to address critical security and life safety updates, improve Apollo High School’s facilities to prepare students for future careers meeting this community’s workforce needs and create a community-focused indoor multipurpose athletic center.

For an average-priced home in the district valued at $250,000, the tax impact, if both questions are successful, is $3.33 per month. Tax calculator. Question 1 must pass for Question 2 to be approved.

●     Question 1: $2.41/month

●     Question 2: $0.92/month

The school district has a history of being fiscally responsible and consistently approving balanced budgets. The district used one-time state and federal dollars to make needed facility updates at Apollo over the last two years. Through this careful stewardship of funds, the overall cost of the referendum was reduced when compared to the $53.5 million the district planned to ask for in 2020. With inflation, this cost would have been $74 million in today’s dollars.

1. Student and staff safety
   Apollo High School is 54 years old and needs critical updates to ensure the safety and security of students and staff. This referendum will fund necessary improvements, including a secure entrance, storm shelter and other safety upgrades. Apollo is the only school in the district without a secure entrance.
2. Preparing students for the future and supporting education and workforce development
   Investing in Apollo means investing in our future workforce. Upgrades to career and technical education spaces including health sciences and culinary arts will provide students with the skills they need for careers in high-demand fields.
3. Indoor athletic space for our community
   A second referendum question for a multipurpose indoor athletic facility will benefit Apollo students, district programs and the entire athletic community – providing needed space for activities.

The renovations at Apollo will provide students with modern facilities designed to meet the demands of today’s workforce, including:

●     Health Sciences & Emergency Response Training

○     A new ambulance bay and health care lab to prepare students for careers as EMTs, CNAs, and emergency management professionals.

●     Advanced Computing and Data Sciences, Engineering and Manufacturing

○     Upgraded facilities to support advanced computing, data sciences, and careers in engineering and manufacturing.

●     Advanced Auto and Diesel Mechanics

○     Improvements to one of the auto mechanics bays which allows us to expand on current automotive mechanic offerings to include diesel mechanics.

●     Fine Arts

○    Improvements to the fine arts areas will allow for advanced learning in theatre and performing arts, music, visual and recording arts.

●     Culinary Arts

○     An improved culinary lab to train students for food-safe certifications and careers in the food service and hospitality industries.

Based on community feedback, the referendum includes a second question proposing a shared indoor athletic facility at Apollo High School. This center will support both districtwide programs and community activities, providing a versatile space for sports, events and activities. Rental of this facility will be available for community groups. Activities that could take place in the space include:

●     Soccer

●     Lacrosse

●     Football

●     Baseball

●     Softball

●     Golf

●     Walking/exercise

Bubbles come with ongoing labor expenses each fall and spring when putting it up and taking it down. Bubbles also require a lot of energy for heating because the material doesn’t have much insulation. The indoor multipurpose athletic center is permanent. The fabric installed on the inside and outside has a 25-year warranty and generally lasts 30 years. The space between the inside and outside layer is insulated, which would make this facility very energy efficient. The indoor multipurpose athletic center design also allows the space to be used in more ways, including softball with a 195’ distance from home plate to the fence.

The length of this bond is 20 years.

Construction for this project would start in the spring of 2027. There is significant planning that still needs to take place if the referendum is approved by voters. Construction would be completed in the summer of 2028.

The district unsuccessfully asked voters to approve updates to Apollo High School in 2015 and 2016. The district assembled an advisory group in February 2020 in preparation for a November 2020 vote. These efforts were paused due to COVID. The district was able to use one-time funding from the state and federal government to make some of the needed improvements at Apollo. Now that these funds have been exhausted, there are still additional projects that need to be completed for student and staff safety and so students are better prepared for current workforce needs.

The referendum reflects 10 years of planning, community feedback, and fiscal responsibility. District leaders, including Superintendent Laurie Putnam, worked closely with families, staff, and community members to prioritize the most critical needs at Apollo High School. Many of these are the same needs district leaders recognized 10 years ago that have not gone away.

Election day is Tuesday, April 8 and polls are open 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. You will vote at the same location as you did for the November 2024 election. Visit the MN Secretary of State website to find your polling location. Early voting is available starting Feb. 21 at the District Administration Office. Learn more information about how to vote early in person or request a ballot via mail. 

Apollo High School has served our community for over 54 years, but its aging infrastructure no longer meets today’s safety, accessibility, or educational standards. This referendum ensures that Apollo remains a safe, modern, and thriving hub for learning and community engagement.

If you have additional questions about the referendum you can email referendum@isd742.org or leave a voice message by calling (320) 370-8002.

Someone from the district will respond to your questions in a timely manner.

Tech High School is currently close to capacity at 1600 students. Even if the fourth wing were added onto the current structure, (which would take new financing approval from taxpayers) it would still not be large enough to include all Tech and Apollo students. 

Strong public schools make strong communities. By investing in our students and schools, we create a future-ready workforce, attract families to the area, and increase property values. Supporting schools has long-lasting positive effects on the local economy and quality of life.

Yes! If you are registered to vote in the state of Minnesota and reside within the St. Cloud Area School District boundaries, you may vote in the April 8 election. To register to vote, go to the Minnesota Secretary of State website and complete the registration form. (Available in multiple languages.) Register 20 days prior to the election.