NEW ULM — Independent School District 88’s special election to approve an operating referendum narrowly failed Tuesday, leaving the district with questions on how to proceed.

The election ballot contained two questions, voters were asked to answer either yes or no.

The first question is called revoke and replace. With this question voters, are being asked to eliminate two previously approved referendums due to expire in the next two years, and replace them with a single referendum that would extend 10 years.

The second question on the ballot is to help fund the (CTE) programs at the middle school, high school, and CTE Center by creating a new operating levy. With the new levy, the school could collect $200 per student a year, with annual inflation.

Tuesday, Following the results of the vote, District Superintendent Bertrang said the school board and staff were disappointed the referendum did not pass but said they would continue our work to provide the best we can for our students and families.

“The board will spend some time evaluating the election outcome to determine the next steps ahead,” he said. “It is evident we need to continue to tell our story and how the local levies help make up the difference when the state and federal government don’t fully fund their requirements.”

On Wednesday, Bertrang said he was surprised the first question did not pass.

“[W]e were asking to combine two existing referendum questions into one new one for the same amount of money,” he said. “Yes, it would extend for another ten years. I’ve heard some comments that people were concerned that question one included an inflationary increase — the current question does now.”

Bertrang believed voter turnout was low compared to other elections. Less than 20% of eligible district voters cast a ballot. Bertrang was not sure if the low turnout was related to a single combined polling location or a lack of interest in a special election.

School Board Chair Steve Gag said before the vote he was on the fence about whether the two referendums would pass and admitted he was not surprised it didn’t pass.

Gag said the district would need to pass another referendum next year. The board would likely make a greater push. Gag said he was optimistic the next referendum would be approved.

Bertrang said, going forward, the board will spend time evaluating the outcome, seeking feedback from the communities and making a decision on the next steps.