ST PAUL, Minn. — The classrooms in White Bear Lake's School District are getting more crowded.
"Been experiencing it the last few years and expecting it to continue," said superintendent Dr. Wayne Kazmierczak. "We have housing growth in the northern part of our district."
The district is looking to keep up with facility upgrades, a new elementary school, and unifying their high school.
So they are seeking taxpayer help with a $326 million bond referendum, the largest in state history.
"Focused on student achievement and investing in our students will allow more opportunities," said Kazmierczak.
This year's election may not be as nationally significant as 2020's will be, but Nov. 5, 2019 is important for dozens of school districts in Minnesota like White Bear Lake.
According to the Minnesota School Boards Association (MSBA), at least 43 school districts have an operating levy that will show up on ballots in two weeks. Another 35 school districts are asking for a building bond referendum, which pays for things like maintenance and technology.
Some districts may offer both up to voters at the same time this year.
As for bonding referendums, 26 districts have already put their questions to voters earlier this year. Fifteen of those passed at least one question, and 11 failed. Check out which 35 districts are on the Nov. 5 ballot on MSBA's website.
Curious residents can also look up which districts have operating referendums, and what those increases look like, with this spreadsheet.
Learn more about where and when you can vote, how to register, and what's on your ballot on the Minnesota Secretary of State website.
RELATED: Last fall, Forest Lake students led the charge on school funding. Watch that story below or click here.