Thompson School District 2024 Post-Election Survey

Magellan Strategies is pleased to present the topline results of a post-election survey of 1,064 voters within Thompson School District. The interviews were conducted from November 21st to 30th, 2024.

Voters in the Thompson School District were closely divided on both Ballot Issue 5A (mill levy) and Ballot Issue 5B (bond measure), with both measures ultimately receiving slightly more opposition than support. For 5A, a majority reported voting against the measure, while a similar pattern held for 5B, indicating that neither proposal achieved majority approval. Despite this, most voters said they understood the ballot language, suggesting that the outcomes were driven more by attitudes toward taxation and trust than by confusion about the measures themselves.

Supporters of Ballot Issue 5A most often cited the need to increase teacher and staff compensation, maintain and upgrade facilities, and invest in technology to support educational quality. Many emphasized the importance of funding public education and ensuring competitive salaries to attract and retain qualified educators. In contrast, opponents focused heavily on concerns about rising property taxes and overall affordability, particularly in the context of inflation and recent tax increases. Others criticized the measure’s broad and open-ended language, expressing discomfort with inflation-adjusted revenue increases and a lack of specific spending detail.

Opposition to 5A was also shaped by broader concerns about governance and trust. Many voters cited skepticism about how the district manages funds and questioned whether previous resources had been used effectively. Some also raised ideological concerns about the direction of public education, indicating that political perceptions influenced voting behavior alongside fiscal considerations. These themes suggested that resistance was not solely about cost but also about confidence in district leadership and priorities.

A similar pattern emerged for Ballot Issue 5B, the bond measure focused on facilities and infrastructure. Supporters emphasized the need to improve aging buildings, address maintenance issues such as air conditioning and safety upgrades, and expand capacity to accommodate community growth. Many viewed the measure as an investment in educational quality and long-term community needs. However, opposition again centered on economic pressures, with voters citing tax fatigue, high cost of living, and reluctance to take on additional debt during uncertain financial conditions.

Criticism of 5B also reflected concerns about clarity and specificity. Opponents frequently described the proposal as too broad and lacking detailed plans for how funds would be allocated, similar to concerns raised about 5A. Additionally, some voters expressed ideological objections related to curriculum and the direction of public education, reinforcing the role of trust and values in shaping opinions on school funding measures.

External factors had a more limited but still notable influence on voter decisions. Most voters said that other tax measures on the ballot did not affect their vote, though more reported being less likely than more likely to support the school district measures due to the presence of other taxes. Similarly, the district’s involvement in the Centerra South Urban Renewal Authority had little impact overall, though a small share said it made them less likely to support the measures. Providing clearer information about the specific cost of tax increases had mixed effects, with about half saying it would not change their opinion.

When presented with an alternative bond scenario that would not increase taxes, support improved significantly, with a clear majority indicating they would vote to approve such a measure. Final comments from voters reinforced key themes, including strong resistance to additional taxes, a desire for clearer and more transparent communication about funding proposals, and conditional support for investing in education if accompanied by accountability and demonstrated efficiency. Overall, the survey showed that while voters valued education and recognized infrastructure and staffing needs, concerns about taxes, trust, and clarity ultimately limited support for the 2024 ballot measures.