$40 million bond on the November 3 ballot

What happened

Voters decide on November 3, 2026 whether St. Johns Public Schools can borrow $40 million for building repairs, security and classroom updates across the district, including about $2.2 million for Little Wings Early Learning Center classrooms. The district projects the debt tax would stay at the current 7.0 mills. It follows two failed bond votes and is about $60 million smaller. The board voted 6-1 on July 20 to call the election.

Why it matters to families

If it fails, leaders say critical repairs of about $37 million would compete with a general fund already facing cuts.

The evidence

The July 20, 2026 minutes record the 6-1 vote calling the election and the president's remark that it is nearly $60 million less than earlier attempts; the April 27 minutes record the recommendation of a $40 million bond with no increase over 7 mills.

The source