Minneota school bond passes

2-question vote to fund deferred maintenance, school renovations

MINNEOTA -- Primary election day turned out to be "a really positive day" for the Minneota School District, Superintendent Scott Monson said.

Minneota had two building bond referendum questions on the ballot Tuesday that would help fund needed maintenance and other building renovations at Minneota Public Schools. Voters approved both questions.

"I was really appreciative of the voter turnout," Monson said.

Close to 950 voters cast votes on Tuesday.

The first question authorized the district to bond for up to $13.1 million for infrastructure improvements, deferred maintenance, and educational space renovations at Minneota Public School. The second question authorized up to $9.61 million in bonds for a variety of other renovations, including building a new cafeteria and practice gym, and renovating existing parts of the school building for a new weight room, choir room and fine arts space. Question 2 was contingent on Question 1 passing, Monson said.

Monson said Question 1 of the referendum passed with a total of 565 yes votes and 380 no votes. Question 2 passed on a narrower margin, with 483 yes votes and 459 no votes.

"We are super pleased with the support of our residents," Monson said Wednesday.

Monson said he was also grateful for the number of people who took the time to learn about the proposed building bonds and vote in the referendum.

"Both questions were important to us," Monson said of the referendum.

The $13.1 million bond would help Minneota address "foundational" maintenance needs for school facilities, he said. For example, some sections of the school roof are currently over 25 years old, and are past their useful lifespan, he said. The roof and other infrastructure projects needed to be addressed.

In addition to the deferred maintenance needs covered under Question 1, "Question 2 will really let us work on our vision" for the school, Monson said.

Although the referendum passed, building work won't start right away, Monson said. Minneota's immediate focus will be the start of school. Students return to class on Aug. 24, he said.

After school begins, more detailed planning for facility updates and the sale of the bonds will start moving along, Monson said. He said he also wants to make sure school staff are involved in the planning process.