Between building bonds, capital projects, and operating levies, 79 Minnesota school districts posed 96 questions to local voters on Tuesday, November 4.
Our team celebrated the success of five building bond referendum questions and two operating levy questions that evening – Badger Community School’s building bond and operating levy approval, Cook County School District’s building bond, GHEC Public Schools’ building bond and operating levy approval, and Walker Hackensack Akeley Public Schools’ two-question building bond referendum. Explore the details of each project below.
Better for Badger: Badger Community School
Residents of Badger Community School approved two of three ballot questions on Election Day. The $5.34 million building bond will replace the boiler and HVAC system with reliable, energy-efficient systems, make bathroom updates to improve ADA accessibility, replace old exterior doors and windows to improve safety and efficiency, add a new cooler and freezer space in the existing kitchen to improve food service, and renovate locker rooms with new plumbing and finishes.
The approved operating levy helps protect staff and programs with an additional $100,000 per year for the next decade.
Vikings Vision: Cook County School District
Residents of Cook County School District approved a $6.65 million building bond referendum. This approval unlocked an additional $5 million grant from the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB) for a total project of $11.665 million to improve the district’s arts, activities, and outdoor learning facilities.
The project will modernize the Arrowhead Center for the Arts by upgrading lighting, rigging, and projection capabilities, enhancing safety and accessibility, and adding flexible seating and other performance-supporting features. In addition, the project will enhance seating and surfaces in outdoor classrooms, build a new track, add an artificial turf field for various sports, make updates to the baseball field, and enhance outdoor amenities.
Room to Learn and Grow: GHEC Public Schools
Residents of Granada Huntley East Chain Public Schools approved an $8.745 million building bond referendum that will renovate and expand their existing Career and Technical Education (CTE) and agriculture shop, add two general education classrooms, renovate and expand the existing kitchen server area, provide additional space for a weights and fitness room, remodel existing restrooms, and address various deferred maintenance needs, including parking, lighting, and more.
Their approved operating levy provides a new, reduced levy to maintain staff, programs, and more.
The Wolfpack Plan: Walker Hackensack Akeley Public Schools
Residents of Walker Hackensack Akeley Public Schools approved two building bond referendum questions totaling $18.9 million on Tuesday, November 4.
Question One will build secure entrances at both buildings, improve security on classroom doors, add snow-melt systems and repair sidewalks to improve safety, make various HVAC and indoor air quality improvements, improve classrooms and career-tech spaces, support accessibility by converting multi-stall restrooms to single-stall facilities, install more accessible playground surfaces and equipment, replace various sections of the roof and flooring, and make various improvements to activities and outdoor spaces.
Question Two will replace the outdated bus garage and provide additional parking.
Since 2006, ICS has focused on building strong connections with public schools through comprehensive long-range planning, facility and educational adequacy assessments, pre-referendum communications, and more. We’re passionate about partnering with school districts like yours from the very beginning to help transform your facilities for generations to come.
Our team has helped pass over in voter-approved referendums across Minnesota in the last 14 years. Wherever you are in the planning process, our team is ready to help you implement changes in your district–just like Cook County, Badger, GHEC, and Walker Hackensack Akeley.
Connect with our team today to start your district’s long-range planning journey.