Investing in Our Future: Why ISD 477’s Referendum Matters

Members of the Princeton community have a chance to make a difference for Princeton’s youth. The ISD 477 referendum on the ballot isn’t just about bricks and mortar: it’s about giving our students the tools they need to compete, thrive, and build a future here at home.

1. The case for supporting trade education in our community

Not every student follows a four-year college path—and that’s okay. In fact, many of the fastest-growing, stable, well-paying jobs in our region are in skilled trades: welding, HVAC, electrical, carpentry, advanced manufacturing, precision machining, and more. To prepare young people for those opportunities, we need modern, well-equipped Career & Technical Education (CTE) facilities. Without them, students are left learning in outdated labs, inadequate shop spaces, or simply missing hands-on access altogether.

By approving the referendum, we enable ISD 477 to replace and modernize those CTE spaces. That means:

• Safer, more functional shop floors

• Up-to-date safety, ventilation, and equipment

• Flexible classrooms that integrate digital and physical learning

• Better alignment with local employer needs

This isn’t a vague “future needs” ask — it’s about today’s students and tomorrow’s workforce.

2. Community engagement built this plan — your voice shaped it

One thing I deeply respect about this referendum process is how deliberately community input has been central. ISD 477 created a Community Engagement Task Force composed of staff, families, and residents to help guide and vet proposals. (isd477.org/referendum)

Over more than 11 meetings, more than 100 residents contributed to:

• Reviewing facility conditions

• Gathering survey feedback from staff, students, and community

• Modeling cost scenarios and tax impact

• Prioritizing funding for trades, infrastructure, and deficit relief

• Refining a plan with both facility improvements and a path to reduce operating deficits

Because of this process, what goes to the ballot is not a top-down wish list — it’s a proposal shaped by our community. That means more accountability, more alignment, and greater trust that funds will be used wisely.

3. Yes — cost is real. But it’s prudent, far less than alternatives, and reasonable.

We shouldn’t pretend there’s no cost. The referendum proposes:

• A $49.14 million bond to modernize CTE and other critical spaces

• A $750,000/year capital projects levy for technology, devices, infrastructure, and training

• An estimated tax increase of about $15 per month for a home valued around $350,000 (beginning 2026)

These are not trivial numbers. Yet, consider:

• Rebuilding entirely from scratch would cost far more (site acquisition, new utilities, duplicative systems).

• This ask is actually less than past referenda requests.

• Many of the district’s current facilities are decades old, with deferred maintenance and rising repair costs.

In other words: this is a responsible, targeted investment rather than a blank check. When viewed over the long life of these upgrades (30–40 years), the cost per student, per year becomes quite modest — especially when set against the benefits of better education, local opportunity, and community growth.

4. What we stand to gain — beyond just nicer classrooms

Approving the referendum is more than an upgrade to infrastructure. It enables:

• Better student outcomes: More students can graduate with industry-recognized credentials, apprenticeships, or direct employability.

• Stronger local economy: When youth can remain and work locally, it retains talent and supports small businesses and tradespeople.

• Equity of opportunity: Every student—regardless of household income—deserves access to state-of-the-art learning spaces.

• Future adaptability: The classrooms, labs, and infrastructure will be flexible, letting the district adapt to whatever new technologies or teaching models emerge.

5. What you can do — simple actions that matter

• Vote “Yes” for the ISD 477 referendum on November 4.

• Encourage neighbors, friends, family to learn more (point them to isd477.org/referendum).

• Attend open houses or informational meetings to ask questions. The district has several scheduled.

• Talk with teachers, students, local tradespeople — let them share stories of what they need.

• Hold leaders accountable: after the vote, stay engaged in how the funds are spent.

Closing thoughts

At FlintEdge Strategies, we believe that stewardship matters. We also believe that giving young people the best shot at success is a moral and strategic responsibility. This referendum is not a hand-out; it’s an investment in people, possibilities, and the future of our region.

Yes, it will cost something — but less than rebuilding from scratch, less than past failed referenda, and far less than the cost we pay when we let opportunity slip away. Approving this plan means saying to every student: We believe in you. We’ll give you the tools. And we’ll build your tomorrow together.

Let’s vote yes, invest wisely, and shape a stronger Princeton for generations to come.

— FlintEdge Strategies