This site serves as a resource to help our community stay informed about the 2026 Little Falls Community Schools facilities referendum. We invite you to explore the information below to learn about the challenges we face, the proposed solutions, and what this means for our schools and community.
Little Falls Community Schools has been studying long-term facility needs with a focus on making our schools more efficient, fiscally responsible, and ready for the next 30 years.
Through this work, several key challenges have emerged:
There are approximately 2,200 students in our district today vs. 3,900 when the High School was built in 1972. The table below shows our declining enrollment and total square footage numbers. The proposed changes in the plan will reduce our facility operations by 142,600 square feet. This will result in significant cost savings.
The district is proposing a facilities plan that addresses the challenges described above while being mindful of long-term value to taxpayers. The plan was developed from a thoughtful process that included strategic planning, input from a 2024 Task Force Team and Finance Team, budget analysis, a comprehensive facilities assessment performed by architecture and engineering firm Widseth, school facility tours across the state, staff listening sessions, and community input meetings.
Shall the board of Independent School District No. 482 (Little Falls), Minnesota be authorized to issue general obligation school building bonds in an amount not to exceed $34,305,000 for acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities including, but not limited to, remodeling and indoor air quality and safety and security improvements at Little Falls Community High School?
50% of the costs associated with question #1 of the referendum will go toward mechanical systems improvements. This is an essential upgrade that will only get more expensive over time.
Over 20 years, at 3% inflation, the district could save about $26 million by moving students out of the Middle School. This money will be available for a variety of uses in the general fund.
In partnership with the City of Little Falls, the district is exploring community focused uses for the middle school to ensure it continues to benefit residents rather than sit empty. The district will maintain control of the swimming pool, gym, and cafeteria commons.
Ceilings and walls will be opened to make the necessary mechanical upgrades. It makes sense to remodel and reconfigure learning spaces at the same time to transform the High School into a 7-12 facility.
More than 40% of U.S. parents report fearing for their child’s physical safety at school, highlighting why thoughtful design and supervision matter.
If School District Question 1 is approved, shall the board of Independent School District No. 482 (Little Falls), Minnesota be authorized to issue general obligation school building bonds in an amount not to exceed $9,520,000 for acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities including, but not limited to, construction of a new gymnasium at Little Falls Community High School?
The proposed steel and fabric structure is an economical way for the School District to gain the space required to satisfy our needs. It will cost about $2.5M less than a brick-and-mortar building.
For questions or additional information about this referendum, please contact us at [email protected] or 320-632-2011.
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.
