STAPLES-MOTLEY SCHOOL BOARD APPROVED $28M LEVY -- AFTER THE PEOPLE VOTED AGAINST IT (2021)



In 2021 property taxes for residents of the Motley-Staples, MN school district went up 40-50% --thanks to the Staples Motley school board.  After the people voted against  a $64M levy, the school board took it upon themselves to steal the vote.  They rammed through a $28M levy – canceling everyone's legitimate vote against it.

Mary Freeman made the motion, seconded by Jeremy Reeck – AND all 4 remaining members approved.   5/6 of the school board members are from Staples.

A friend of mine went to the meeting in the fall of 2021 about property taxes, after everyone realized they had gone up.  He said that the board members all said -- that's the way it is, we're not changing it.

COUNCIL MEMBERS WHO STOLE THE VOTE

Brad Anderson 

Treasurer, from Staples, brad.anderson@isd2170.k12.mn.us

Bruce Lund 

Vice Chairfrom Staplesbruce.lund@isd2170.k12.mn.us

Mary Freeman

Clerkfrom Staplesmary.freeman@isd2170.k12.mn.us

Bryan Winkels

Chairfrom Staplesbryan.winkels@isd2170.k12.mn.us

Lisa Anderson

Directorfrom Motley lisa.anderson@isd2170.k12.mn.us

Jeremy Reeck

Directorfrom Staplesjeremy.reeck@isd2170.k12.mn.us


CONTACTING BOARD MEMBERS

I contacted Mary Freeman and Bryan Winkels to ask them who was up for reelection.  Mary Freeman did not respond back.  Brian Anderson did and answered my question.. Then I asked him why people's taxes went up, and he refused to answer, instead sending me to the school superintendent.



MEDIA COVERAGE

4-13-21 Article: Staples-Motley School referendum voted down

Staples-Motley area residents rejected a bond referendum Tuesday, that would have paid for a $64.4 million investment in renovations and expansions to the middle/high school and elementary school.
https://www.brainerddispatch.com/news/staples-motley-voters-deny-another-referendum-but-taxes-will-still-increase


6-31-21 Article: Staples-Motley School Board moves forward with $28 million in school improvements


Dec 3, 2021: Letter to the editor - Tell Board SMSD taxes are too high



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