Secretary of State Howe recommends Surrey School District contest bond election

The close outcome of a recent school bond election in Surrey has taken an unexpected turn, leaving the community grappling with questions about fairness and potential legal action. It all started with a mapping error – a seemingly small oversight that left 12 district voters in McHenry County without a ballot including the crucial $5.8 million bond issue. Now, with the unofficial results showing a razor-thin defeat by just five votes, Secretary of State Michael Howe is urging the Surrey School District to consider contesting the election, highlighting a situation that underscores the importance of accurate representation and the impact on local families.

What Happened

The Surrey School District recently faced a second attempt to pass a 20-year, $5.8 million bond issue aimed at addressing critical infrastructure needs within the district’s school facilities. The first attempt in June failed, and on November 3rd, the measure fell short again, with an unofficial tally of 465 votes against and 317 in favor – well below the required 60% threshold (470 votes). This narrow defeat is now clouded by the discovery of a mapping error that prevented 12 district voters residing in McHenry County from receiving a ballot including the bond issue question. The error, stemming from improperly coded addresses for eight street segments surrounding Deering, impacted 29 eligible voters, 12 of whom participated in the general election.

Secretary of State Michael Howe has since written a letter to the school board and administration, acknowledging the error and recommending they consider contesting the election through the court system. He offered to provide a letter of support for such an effort, recognizing the potential impact this oversight had on the outcome. Superintendent Steven Bucks stated that the school board will discuss this option at its regular meeting scheduled for Thursday, November 12th, though no action will be taken until official canvassing is completed on November 16th and 18th. This means a definitive decision rests just ahead, with residents nervously awaiting the outcome.

The bond issue itself was proposed to tackle a range of pressing concerns. Portable classrooms installed in 2012 are nearing the end of their lifespan, and a recent State Fire Marshal inspection identified safety concerns regarding the connection between the main school building and these portable structures. The main building itself suffers from aging windows, flooring, fixtures, and ceilings – all needing significant updates. Beyond aesthetics, structural concerns exist with the roof’s ability to withstand heavy snow loads, while stairs don't meet commercial building code standards and wheelchair ramp slopes exceed accessibility limits. Bismarck Tribune

Community Reaction

The news of the mapping error and Secretary Howe’s recommendation has understandably stirred a mix of emotions within the Surrey community. While frustration is palpable regarding the oversight, there’s also a sense of determination to ensure fairness in the electoral process. “Indeed, it is speculative on how those 12 voters would have voted if given the opportunity to weigh in on the ballot question, just as it is speculative if others would have participated if they knew the question would be on their ballot,” Howe stated in his letter. “What is certain is that they were not given a choice at all, and for that I apologize with all my heart.”

Superintendent Bucks addressed the community’s concerns through a statement on the school’s website, aiming to dispel misinformation about potential school closures or staff reductions. “Our commitment to educating and supporting our students remains strong,” Bucks reassured. “As we work through our facility challenges, our priority is to provide safe learning spaces while minimizing disruption to students, families, and staff.” He emphasized that the district is developing a plan to accommodate students within the main school building, a proposal that will be presented to the School Board for review.

Addressing Concerns about School Facilities

The bond issue failure brings into sharp focus the urgent need for facility upgrades. The combination of aging infrastructure, safety concerns raised by the Fire Marshal, and the impending replacement of portable classrooms presents a significant challenge to the school district’s ability to provide a safe and effective learning environment for students. While the district is working on short-term solutions, the lack of funding from the bond issue will likely impact long-term planning and potentially delay necessary improvements, putting students at risk.

What's Next

The immediate focus is on the upcoming canvassing meetings. The Ward and McHenry county canvassing boards will meet on Monday, November 16th, followed by the state canvassing board releasing official election results on November 18th. These meetings will officially certify the election outcome and provide a clearer picture of whether the Surrey School District will pursue legal action. If the district chooses to contest the election, it would involve filing a lawsuit and seeking a court order to either hold a new election or declare the bond issue passed.

Beyond the immediate legal proceedings, Secretary Howe's office is taking steps to prevent similar errors from occurring in the future. A new software utilizing GIS map modeling will be implemented for 2028, replacing the manual input process for street segments and address coding. This change aims to improve accuracy and streamline the ballot distribution process. North Dakota Secretary of State

Derek's Take

What’s happening in Surrey is a stark reminder that even small errors can have significant consequences, especially when it comes to important community decisions like school funding. It’s easy to get caught up in the politics of elections, but at its heart, this is about ensuring that every voice has a chance to be heard—particularly those in rural communities who often feel overlooked. The fact that 12 residents were effectively disenfranchised because of a mapping mistake is deeply concerning.

This situation also highlights the vital role our schools play in the life of a community, and the importance of supporting them. Strong schools are not just about bricks and mortar; they’re about providing a foundation for future generations, instilling values, and building a brighter tomorrow for our children. When we shortchange our schools, we shortchange our future. The challenges facing the Surrey School District underscore the need for continued investment in education and a commitment to ensuring that all students have access to safe, modern learning environments.

It’s encouraging to see Secretary Howe take responsibility and implement measures to prevent future errors. However, the core question remains: how do we foster a culture of accountability and diligence in our public institutions? This situation calls for more than just software upgrades; it requires a renewed emphasis on careful attention to detail, transparency, and a commitment to serving the people.

Resources

For residents seeking more information about the Surrey School District and its facilities, several resources are available. The school district’s website (https://www.surreyschools.org/) provides updates on the bond issue and the district's plans for addressing facility challenges. The McHenry County Auditor’s Office (https://www.mchenrycountynd.gov/) can provide information about the election process and address coding errors. The North Dakota Secretary of State's office (https://www.nd.gov/) offers resources on elections and voting in North Dakota, including information on contesting election results.

The impact of this situation extends beyond the immediate financial implications for the school district. It raises fundamental questions about fairness, accountability, and the integrity of our democratic process. As the community moves forward, it’s crucial to prioritize open communication, transparency, and a commitment to ensuring that every resident has the opportunity to participate fully in shaping the future of their schools and their community.

Closing paragraph: The situation in Surrey serves as a reminder that even small oversights can have significant consequences. It underscores the importance of vigilance in our public institutions and a commitment to ensuring fairness and accuracy in every aspect of our democratic process. While the legal proceedings unfold, residents should remain informed and engaged, working together to find solutions that support the education of our children and strengthen the fabric of this community.