CHASKA, Minn. — Controversy in Chaska hasn't stalled.
This time, there's a growing debate online about a referendum the school district says will raise taxes on average by nearly $40 dollars a month per household. The district will ask residents to approve a 20-year bond request of $111.7 million. School leaders say the money will help build a new elementary school, repair buildings and build a larger bus garage.
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Indeed, some are for it and others against it.
Eastern Carver County is a district that has made national headlines for racism and equity concerns. Through their parents, six students filed a federal lawsuit, claiming Eastern Carver County Schools ignored blatant incidents of racism.
When words fail... Sam Sather's music speaks.
"I turn to music an awful lot," Sather said. "I don't understand why there is even a race issue. You see a room full of kids. They all deserve to learn as much as they can learn."
In July, the district hired a new Director of Equity and Inclusion. It also created an Equity Board to address some of the growing concerns. It is a district that music teacher Sam Sather has watched change.
"When I was here in 8th grade the type of population we have (now), it is different. It is changing, It is evolving," Sather said. " It is important for somebody like me to have a better understanding, okay this kid comes from this walk of life. As a music teacher I need to know how I can reach this kid so he can become the best student he can possibly become."
Sather has taught in the district 16 years and says teachers like him need more space to teach all children. He says he has about 26 students in his Kindergarten class.
By contrast, 18 to 20 is about where you want to cap 5 and 6-year-old students, Sather said.
"I can respect somebody that says I am voting no because I don't want my taxers to get raised any higher," Sather said. "We are in a growing community. Walk around the corner and see all the new houses going up here. It is needed right now."