Minnetonka board certifies Nov. 4 election, approves bond canvass and authorizes sale of initial $5M tranche

The Minnetonka School Board on Nov. 13 formally canvassed and certified the Nov. 4 general election and a concurrent special election on a building‑bond referendum, and authorized the district to sell an initial $5 million tranche of general obligation school building bonds to begin design and permitting work.

Paul Bourgeois, executive director of finance and operations, reported that 8,763 voters participated in the district general election; the highest vote totals were Receiving Candidate Sellinger (4,987), Kolbarger (4,361) and Jordan (3,730), who will serve four‑year terms beginning Jan. 5, 2026 under Minnesota statute. The board moved, seconded and approved the canvass by voice vote.

Bourgeois also reported that the special election for the facility bond — the district’s first since 1996 — passed with approximately 5,445 votes in favor and 2,476 against (about 69%–31%). Bourgeois said approval allows the district to issue bonds and proceed with proposed projects over the coming years. The board approved the canvass of the bond referendum.

The board then considered an authorizing resolution prepared by bond counsel Dorsey & Whitney to sell the 2026A general obligation school building bonds in the amount of $5 million. Bourgeois described the district’s tiered borrowing approach to issue the $85 million referendum in tranches so the net property tax levy impact is minimized; the $5 million tranche will fund design and permitting for two large middle‑school projects that together account for roughly $55 million of the total program. The board voted to adopt the resolution and authorize the sale.

The motions were approved by voice vote with no roll‑call tallies recorded in the minutes. The district said it expects to issue future tranches, including a larger tranche planned for June to support construction.