Surrey school faces post-election decisions

The fate of Surrey Public School’s aging facilities hangs in the balance after a $5.8 million bond issue narrowly failed in a recent election, leaving the school board facing difficult decisions about the future of its buildings and potentially challenging the election results themselves. The five-vote margin of defeat, compounded by a significant error in ballot distribution, has cast a shadow over the community and raised questions about the fairness of the process. This isn't the first attempt at securing funding for vital upgrades, as residents previously rejected a similar measure in June, highlighting the deep divisions within the community regarding the best path forward for their school.

What Happened

Preliminary election results released November 10, 2026, showed the $5.8 million bond issue failed 465-317, falling short of the required 60% approval threshold (470 votes needed). The proposed bond was intended to address pressing facility concerns at the Surrey Public School, including the nearing end-of-life of portable classrooms installed in 2012 and significant safety concerns identified by the State Fire Marshal regarding the connection between the main school building and these portable structures. These concerns range from the nearing end-of-life of portable classrooms installed in 2012 to safety concerns about the connection between the main school building and those portable classrooms. The bond would have also addressed outdated windows, flooring, fixtures, ceilings, and a roof with structural concerns under heavy snow loads, alongside issues with stairs, guardrails and accessibility ramps.

Beyond the portable classrooms, a detailed assessment revealed a host of other deficiencies. Portions of the school building suffer from aging windows, flooring, fixtures, and ceilings that haven't been updated in decades. Structural concerns regarding the roof's ability to withstand heavy snow loads also prompted the need for action. Furthermore, inspections uncovered issues with stairs failing to meet commercial building code requirements, inadequate guardrails and open risers posing safety hazards, and wheelchair ramp slopes exceeding accessibility limits. These conditions not only compromise student and staff safety but also impact the overall learning environment.

The situation is further complicated by an administrative error that prevented 12 district voters in McHenry County from receiving a ballot including the bond issue. A review conducted by Secretary of State Michael Howe, in conjunction with the McHenry County Auditor’s Office, revealed that eight street segments had improperly coded addresses, affecting 13 households and 29 eligible voters. Secretary of State Michael Howe acknowledged the error stemmed from a lack of due diligence in updating street segment information for 2026, a process previously handled manually. The North Dakota Secretary of State’s office is now implementing new GIS map modeling software to automate this process and prevent future occurrences.

Community Reaction

Secretary of State Response

Secretary of State Michael Howe has offered his support to the Surrey School District should they choose to contest the election results. In a letter to the school board and administration, he acknowledged the potential impact of the ballot error and expressed his commitment to providing a letter of support if the district pursues legal action. Howe stated, “What is certain is that they were not given a choice at all, and for that I apologize with all my heart.” He further emphasized the office’s commitment to ensuring every eligible voter has the opportunity to participate in elections, highlighting the failure in this instance.

School District Response

Surrey Superintendent Steven Bucks addressed the community through the school’s website, reassuring residents that the district is prepared for either outcome of the election. He noted that the administrative team is developing a plan to accommodate students and classrooms within the main school building, which will be presented to the School Board for review. Bucks specifically sought to dispel misinformation circulating in the community, stating, “Our commitment to educating and supporting our students remains strong…our priority is to provide safe learning spaces while minimizing disruption to students, families, and staff.”

What's Next

The Surrey School Board is scheduled to discuss the possibility of challenging the election results at its regular meeting on Thursday, November 12. However, no official action will be taken until the Ward and McHenry County canvassing boards meet on November 16 and the state canvassing board releases official election results on November 18. The district also won't decide how to proceed in light of the bond issue vote until after the Ward and McHenry county canvassing boards meet on Monday, Nov. 16, and the state canvassing board releases official election results on Nov. 18.

Marcus's Take

The situation in Surrey highlights a growing challenge facing rural communities across North Dakota: maintaining vital infrastructure with limited resources and a shrinking tax base. While the error in ballot distribution is deeply concerning and warrants a thorough review, it also underscores the fragility of democratic processes and the importance of vigilance in ensuring fair elections. The fact that this bond issue failed by such a narrow margin, potentially altered by an administrative error, speaks volumes about the community’s divided opinions on how to address the school’s needs. This isn't just about bricks and mortar; it's about the future of a small town and the commitment of its residents to providing a quality education for their children. We see too often in our state the erosion of local control and the decline of community institutions. Strong families, rooted in faith and committed to civic engagement, are the bedrock of a thriving community.

Resources

Residents seeking more information about the Surrey Public School District can visit the Minot Public Schools website. Information regarding elections and voter registration can be found on the North Dakota Secretary of State’s website. For information about McHenry County government, visit the McHenry County website. The Minot Area Chamber of Commerce provides information about local businesses and economic development initiatives.

The Surrey community can find support and resources through local organizations such as the North Dakota Department of Human Services, which offers assistance programs for families and individuals in need. Families facing challenges can also connect with faith-based organizations and community groups that provide support and mentorship.

Forward Look

The Surrey School Board’s upcoming decisions will have a lasting impact on the community. Whether they choose to challenge the election results or move forward with alternative plans for addressing the school’s facility needs, the process will require careful consideration and transparency. The implementation of the new GIS mapping software by the Secretary of State’s office is a positive step towards preventing future ballot distribution errors, but ongoing vigilance and collaboration between state and local election officials will be crucial. The community’s ability to come together, find common ground, and prioritize the needs of its children will ultimately determine the future of Surrey Public School and the vitality of the town itself.