Surrey, North Dakota – The Surrey Public School Board took decisive action on Thursday, voting unanimously to retain an attorney to challenge the results of the November school bond election. The board’s move follows a confirmation from Secretary of State Michael Howe that a coding error prevented 29 eligible voters in the McHenry County portion of the district from receiving the correct ballot.
Ballot error and narrow defeat
Of the 29 voters affected, 12 cast ballots that omitted the bond measure. The referendum, which sought funding for a permanent addition to replace aging portable classrooms and to improve safety and accessibility on campus, fell short of the 60% approval required in North Dakota. The final tally showed the measure missing the threshold by only five votes.
Board’s response
School Board President Daniel Tyler called the decision to seek legal counsel “the responsible thing for the district to do.” Tyler emphasized that the district’s plans to upgrade facilities remain critical for students and families, and that the board will pursue every avenue to ensure the election outcome reflects the will of all eligible voters.
Historical context of the measure
The bond referendum has been on the ballot twice this year. In June, it received 58% approval, and in the most recent November vote, it garnered roughly 59.5% support—still short of the 60% threshold required for passage. The repeated narrow margins underscore strong community interest in improving school infrastructure, even as procedural issues have hampered success.
State certification and next steps
North Dakota’s Secretary of State’s office will certify the election results on November 16. Following certification, the Surrey School Board plans to file a formal contest, citing the coding error that excluded the bond issue from the ballots of McHenry County voters. The board’s legal strategy aims to address the procedural flaw and potentially secure a new vote that accurately reflects the community’s preferences.
Implications for local families
For parents and students in Surrey, the bond measure represents more than a financial decision; it is about providing safe, modern learning environments. The district’s proposed permanent addition would replace outdated portable classrooms, offering a stable setting for instruction and extracurricular activities. Improved accessibility upgrades would also benefit families with children who have mobility challenges.
Community reaction
Local residents have expressed a mix of frustration over the ballot mishap and optimism that the board’s challenge could lead to a fair resolution. Some parents have voiced support for the bond, noting the importance of modern facilities for their children’s education. Others remain cautious, emphasizing the need for transparent processes in future elections.
The Surrey Public School Board’s decision to contest the results aligns with its duty to safeguard the interests of students, families, and taxpayers. As the legal process unfolds, the community will watch closely to see whether the district can secure a definitive vote on the bond measure and move forward with its planned improvements.
Original reporting: KFYR-TV Bismarck (news) — read the source article.
