Little Falls Community Schools is committed to transparency throughout this process. This FAQ page outlines the key details of the 2026 facilities referendum, including why it’s being proposed, what the plan includes, and how it supports long-term facility needs. We will continue updating this page as more information becomes available.
Starting in 2022, Little Falls Community Schools identified through a strategic planning process that a decisive plan was necessary to confront the significant facility and financial challenges facing the District. The Finance and Facilities Task Force developed recommendations to create vital operational efficiencies. These plans address a period of declining birth rates, which has resulted in fewer students and a need to reduce long-term costs.
The proposed referendum seeks to reconfigure educational programming by closing the Little Falls Middle School and extensively renovating the high school into a Grades 7-12 secondary school. This transition will elevate education by improving both instructional and operational processes while creating $1,000,000 in annual savings to ensure the District continues to chart a course for success.
The plan includes:
A significant portion of the High School’s mechanical infrastructure is over 50 years old and has exceeded the useful lifespan to the point where a number of components no longer are operational. Replacing these components now will improve indoor air quality, increase energy efficiency, reduce maintenance costs, and protect one of the community’s largest and most valuable assets for future generations. These changes will create a healthier learning environment for everyone. Historically, the cost to replace these systems increases yearly, so doing it now will save taxpayers money.
The district has reviewed many factors regarding investments in the community’s school facilities. They have noted that the estimated costs to build a new 7-12 school building would meet or eclipse $115 million. Importantly, they have also noted as part of comprehensive Facilities Assessment that the core structure of the current high school remains strong and allows for the extensive renovations necessary to keep the campus viable for the next 20-30 years.
Students will benefit from:
Yes. Lindbergh Elementary has adequate space to accommodate 6th graders with little to no renovation required, according to district facility studies.
The district is working closely with the City of Little Falls to explore potential City uses. The goal is to ensure the building continues serving local needs rather than remaining vacant.
Approximately half of the project’s total cost is related to mechanical system replacement and infrastructure updates, which are necessary to extend the life of the High School.
The vote will take place on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
Construction would begin in early 2027.
Work would be completed before the 2027–2028 school year.
Please see the Tax Impact Page of this website to learn more and calculate your estimated tax impact.
Community members can email [email protected] or call 320-632-2011 to learn more about the referendum or provide feedback.
Additional community informational meetings will be listed on the Events page of this website.
Under the vision of Elevating Education: Charting the Course for Success, the transition to a consolidated Grades 7–12 secondary school creates an urgent need for additional gymnasium space to ensure all students have access to required physical education and extracurricular programs. Currently, the High School’s existing facilities were not designed to accommodate the significantly higher student volume that comes with adding two additional grade levels, which creates a critical bottleneck for daily instruction.
Without this expansion, the District would face severe scheduling conflicts that push student practices and community activities into late-night hours, making it more difficult for students and families to manage their schedules. By investing in this additional space now, the District ensures a safe and adequate environment for student wellness while maximizing the efficiencies of a single secondary campus and providing a valuable resource for the entire community.
The concrete waffle slab structure is the existing, 1970’s era ceiling design. In most areas of the school, it is currently hidden by ceiling tiles.
Over time most properties rise in value. The bonds will be paid over 20 years with a fixed interest rate. When combined with the district’s current outstanding debt, the total number of dollars will not increase over the 20 years. As property values rise, they do not rise uniformly. If your property increases by more than the average, you may see a tax increase. Likewise, if your property value does not increase as quickly, it may result in a tax decrease related to the bond.
You’re invited! Join Superintendent Greg Johnson and district leadership for a Virtual Community Forum regarding the upcoming school referendum.
This is your space to get a direct update, ask questions, and get clear information on the topics that matter most to our schools and community.
Note: The virtual platform holds up to 300 attendees. The session will be recorded for those unable to join live. If there is enough interest, we may hold another virtual meeting.