Referendum 2025

Securing our future together

Hopkins voters have spoken loud and clear. With more than 10,000 ballots cast, our community overwhelmingly approved both the $140 million bond referendum (72.95%) and the renewal of our capital projects levy (77.87%). This is among the highest passing rates for a school district bond in Minnesota on the ballot this year!

This victory reflects deep community commitment to and confidence in Hopkins Public Schools and a shared belief in securing a future-focused vision together. We are now positioned to sustain extraordinary schools for every student now and into the future.

Bond

Voters will decide whether to approve $140 million to update and improve Hopkins Public Schools facilities. The funding would be used for safety and security upgrades, infrastructure repairs and replacements, learning space modernization such as updated classrooms, career and technical education expansions, special education spaces, and ADA accessibility improvements. Outdoor and recreational facilities like playgrounds, outdoor learning areas, athletic upgrades (including fields and lighting), and improved parking lots are among the projects included in this bond.

If the bond were approved, it would cost the average homeowner in our district $7/month.

What is included in the bond?

Hopkins is proposing several targeted upgrades across the district to address safety, accessibility, and modern learning needs. These break down into four main buckets.

Safety and security enhancements

All sites will receive comprehensive security upgrades including cameras, alarms, controlled entry points, exterior lighting, and fire suppression in data rooms.

Modernized and expanded learning spaces

Remodeled classrooms, gyms, music suites, and flexible learning areas. HHS expanded Career and Technical Education (CTE) space.

Accessibility and ADA compliance

All schools will receive ADA upgrades for example, restroom renovations and single-user restrooms. Schools with older playgrounds will receive upgrades focused on inclusivity.

Outside the classroom

Sites across the district will see enhancements to outdoor spaces, including safer drop-off areas and parking lots, fitness playgrounds at the middle schools, and upgraded athletic facilities.

Why are these upgrades necessary?

An investment in our schools is an investment in our community. This plan reflects strong fiscal stewardship. Projects are bundled into a 10-year capital plan to reduce costs. It is also backed by the Citizens Financial Advisory Committee and guidance from Ehlers municipal advisors to align with community tax tolerance.

While well maintained many facilities were built decades ago and no longer meet today’s safety standards, enrollment needs, or modern learning expectations. For a minimal cost, we can safeguards what we’ve built and strengthen our schools for the future. Approving this bond allows Hopkins to:

Respond to community priorities

In listening sessions, families reported that they want safe, accessible, and modern schools. This plan delivers:

Secure, welcoming campuses with redesigned entries, fencing, and improved visitor management systems.
Inclusive facilities including ADA-compliant restrooms, storm shelters, and playgrounds designed for students of all abilities.
Investments that are directly tied to safety and accessibility.

Meet current and learning needs

These investments ensure students have the learning environments they need and deserve including:

New and expanded learning spaces such as gyms, music rooms, and tech-rich labs.
Equitable access to programs and courses.
Future-ready schools that support collaboration, creativity, and flexibility, keeping Hopkins competitive and attractive to families.

Modernize aging infrastructure

While well maintained, many of Hopkins’ systems and spaces are outdated, leading to higher maintenance costs and barriers to modern learning. Upgrades will:

Renew outdated systems such as HVAC, ventilation, and roofs, preventing costly emergency repairs.
Modernize core facilities such as CTE labs and collaborative classrooms ensuring functionality and efficiency.
Align schools with 21st-century learning by creating flexible, technology-rich environments that reflect how students learn best.

What is a pathfinder project?

A Pathfinder Project is a targeted update to a small part of a school, transforming it into a space that better supports collaboration, engagement, and modern teaching and learning. These projects act as pilots or “proof of concept” spaces that align with the district’s Vision 2031 goals, showing what future learning environments could look like. They’re not just about changing the physical space, but about creating more opportunities for different types of learning and teaching, and they serve as a bridge to larger, long-term improvements.

How were Pathfinder Projects created?

How were Pathfinder Projects created?

The district and Fielding International began by reviewing facility data, conducting a spatial audit, and gathering input from students, staff, and leaders. In fall 2022, teachers were invited to submit proposals in specific categories, such as learning communities, large space innovation, outdoor learning spaces, activated hallways, and Vision 2031-aligned classrooms. A total of 47 proposals were received and scored on transformative potential, impact on students, readiness, and need. From there, five projects were selected for concept design and four are included in this bond.

What schools have proposed pathfinder projects?

North Middle School

North Middle School Pathfinder Project
The project will expand and update space for all 6th-grade students, replacing outdated, isolated classrooms with areas designed to improve safety, inclusion, and learning. The plan includes four outdoor learning spaces, a flexible learning café, and a small stage for class activities. Sensory support space, single stall restrooms, and comfortable seating areas will help meet student needs. All updates will meet ICC 500 storm shelter safety standards, ensuring student safety during severe weather.

West Middle School

West Middle School Pathfinder Project
The West Middle School Pathfinder project will expand and update space for all 8th-grade students, combining renovation with targeted construction to better support student learning and well-being. Key spaces such as the Active Lab, Project Studio, and flexible commons will allow for hands-on learning and group work. Small, low-distraction areas to help students manage stress and stay engaged. Safety features will make the building more functional and welcoming. The addition will meet ICC 500 storm shelter safety standards.

Hopkins High School

Hopkins High School Pathfinder Project
The Hopkins High School Pathfinder project is a facility update designed to improve safety, learning, and student support. It will add two learning communities with flexible classrooms, small group rooms, and spaces for career and technical learning projects. The design includes spaces for large group meetings, small group work, and staff-student connections, along with outdoor areas for learning and activities. These features help students and staff work better together, prepare students with real-world job skills, and ensure they have the support they need to stay focused and succeed in school. All additions will meet ICC 500 storm shelter safety standards.

Meadowbrook Elementary

a rendering of the meadowbrook RISE room

Meadowbrook Elementary Pathfinder Project
The Meadowbrook Elementary Pathfinder project will update existing space to better serve students in the Special Education program and create a safer, more inclusive school environment. Updates will replace dark, outdated rooms with brighter spaces that improve visibility for staff and create a safer, more effective learning environment. The plan includes sensory-friendly areas, calming rooms, indoor and outdoor motor spaces, and single stall restrooms. This project uses existing space in new ways to meet today’s learning and accessibility needs.

How would the referendum impact my school?

The bond would make schools safer, more welcoming, and better suited for today’s learning. Improvements include stronger security, refreshed classrooms, and upgraded spaces for gyms, music, and Career and Technical Education. Schools would gain safer drop-off areas, improved parking, updated athletic facilities, and fitness playgrounds. Every building would receive accessibility upgrades, including ADA-compliant restrooms, so all students, staff, and families can fully use our spaces.

For a specific look at your school's projects, download their informational flyer:

Harley Hopkins Early Childhood Center

Alice Smith Elementary

Eisenhower Elementary

Gatewood Elementary

Glen Lake Elementary Meadowbrook Elementary

North Middle School

West Middle School

Hopkins High School

Read full Review and Comment

*an ADA compliant version of this document is available upon request.

Capital Projects Levy Renewal

Voters will also be asked to renew an existing capital project levy, which was approved in 2017. This levy currently generates about $10 million annually for network infrastructure, cybersecurity and data protection, and curriculum and technology. A small portion of the renewed levy will go towards increasing access to off-campus learning experiences and supporting an upgrade to our music instrument inventory.

If the levy were renewed it would not cost voters any additional dollars.

Why is the Capital Projects Levy important?

The Capital Projects Levy is essential because it protects what we’ve built and ensures our students have the technology, tools, and secure learning environments they need.

The Capital Projects Levy keeps students safe and learning uninterrupted.

Funds critical cybersecurity defenses that protect student and staff data from ransomware, phishing, and other cyber threats.
Covers rising cyber insurance costs without cutting other programs.

Ensures our classrooms are future-ready

Maintains one-to-one device access for every secondary student.
Upgrades curriculum, instructional materials, and technology infrastructure so teaching stays current with the demands of college, careers, and the real world.

Provides equity and opportunity

Expands transportation for field trips, internships, and mentorships so all students can participate.
Updates outdated music instruments to meet current needs, ensuring all students have access to high-quality arts programs.

Promotes responsible stewardship

Uses funds transparently and efficiently to avoid shifting costs to other areas of the budget.
Keeps Hopkins competitive, attractive to families, and positioned for long-term success.

If renewed, what would the Capital Projects Levy fund?

The Capital Projects Levy (CPL) funds the technology, cybersecurity, and classroom tools our students need to learn safely and effectively.

Key Investments:

Cybersecurity & Data Protection – Funds a 24/7 Security Operations Center, multi-factor authentication, layered security, and regular incident drills to protect student and staff data from growing cyber threats.
Modern Learning Tools – Supports one-to-one devices for all secondary students, upgrades curriculum and instructional materials, and keeps classroom technology current.
Technology Infrastructure – Maintains and upgrades network systems, ensuring reliable and secure internet for teaching and learning.
Student Opportunities – Expands transportation access for field trips, internships, and mentorships.
Equity in Arts & Enrichment – Updates outdated music instruments to meet student needs and ensures all students can participate fully in academic and extracurricular programs.
Responsible Stewardship – Keeps pace with rising technology and cyber insurance costs without cutting other programs, with transparent reporting for taxpayers.

How does the Capital Projects Levy impact the classroom?

The Capital Projects Levy directly impacts student learning by putting modern tools, secure systems, and high-quality resources in the hands of teachers and students.

It keeps technology current and effective

Maintains the one-to-one device program for every secondary student — iPads in junior highs and Chromebooks at the high school — so learning can happen anytime, anywhere.
Upgrades and replaces outdated technology and infrastructure, ensuring fast, reliable, and secure access to learning resources.
Provides media center resources, software, and interactive tools that enhance engagement.

It funds critical curriculum and instructional materials

Purchases updated textbooks, curriculum, and classroom resources to keep instruction aligned with college and career expectations.
Ensures equitable access to high-quality learning materials across all schools and grade levels.
It strengthens teaching and learning
Supports teachers with training, expertise, and tools to personalize and enhance learning.
Expands opportunities for experiential learning through transportation funding for field trips, internships, and mentorships.
Updates outdated music instruments so all students have access to quality arts education.

It ensures secure and uninterrupted learning

Funds cybersecurity protections and training so learning continues without disruption from cyberattacks.

82% of residents agree Hopkins provides good value for taxpayer investment.

80% of residents agree that Hopkins Public Schools increases home values.

76% of residents rate Hopkins’ education quality as “Good” or “Excellent.

How much will it cost?

Question 1: If the bond were approved, it would cost the average homeowner (those who own a house valued at $450,000) $7 month.

Question 2: If the Capital Projects Levy renewal was approved, it would not cost voters any additional dollars.

Calculate your exact tax impact

Download Informational Flyer

Voting Information

When and where do I vote?

Election Day is Tuesday, November 4, 2025. In Minnesota, you can vote early with an absentee ballot starting September 19, 2025. You can request an absentee ballot online for federal, state, and county elections. To find out where to vote, visit the Office of the Secretary of State to find your polling location on the Minnesota Secretary of State's website.

How do I vote early?

How do I vote by mail?

How do I vote in person?

Vote nov. 4 to secure our future together

Frequently Asked Questions

What the bond does

Which schools are included?

What happens if the bond does not pass?

Safety, ADA, and modernization projects would be deferred or scaled back. Urgent repairs would rely on limited general-fund dollars, potentially diverting money from classrooms and programs. Aging systems (e.g., roofs, HVAC) would continue to drive higher maintenance and emergency costs. Planned improvements—such as CTE upgrades, storm shelters, secure entries, traffic flow fixes, and playground updates—would not move forward as proposed; timelines would be revisited and the School Board could consider a revised proposal in a future election cycle.

How were Pathfinder Projects decided?

In fall 2022, teachers were invited to submit proposals in specific categories, such as learning communities, large space innovation, outdoor learning spaces, activated hallways, and Vision 2031-aligned classrooms. A total of 47 proposals were received and scored on transformative potential, impact on students, readiness, and need. Four of those projects are included in this bond.

How much will it cost?

Voting Information

When and where do I vote?

Frequently Asked Questions

News, Updates, & Information