Staples-Motley takes another stab at bond referendum with April 13 vote The $64.4 million referendum would allow for building renovations and equipment updates at both the elementary and middle/high school. 4:00 am, Feb. 28, 2021 × David Leapaldt, a principal at JLG Architects, shows plans for school updates if the Staples-Motley School District's referendum passes in April. Voters gathered information on the measure during an open house at the middle/high school Wednesday, Feb. 24. Theresa Bourke / Brainerd Dispatch STAPLES — Building renovations and equipment updates are again on the ballot for voters in the Staples-Motley School District. Early voting is now open for the roughly $64.4 million referendum seeking funds to update school facilities. The vote comes two years after a failed $60 million referendum in spring 2019 that would have approved funds for building upgrades and a new activities center.