The Park Rapids School Board approved a resolution Monday, Aug. 9 calling a special election on Nov. 2, for the purpose of issuing school building bonds.
The resolution calls it “necessary and expedient” to borrow up to $51.65 million to carry out the following school improvements, subject to voter approval of Question 1 of a special school district election.
Additions and renovations to the high school to create classrooms for grades 7-9 and spaces for the career and technical education, art and alternative learning programs.
Remodeling and improving the high school’s existing classrooms, auditorium, media center and restrooms.
Construction and remodeling to create secure entrances and early childhood classrooms at Century School.
Building and equipping a new bus garage and parking, playground and safety improvements.
The resolution is contingent on a review and comment requested from the state commissioner of education, and it requires that the review and comment be published 20-60 days before the election and discussed at a special school board meeting.
Board member Stephanie Carlson moved to adopt the resolution, and the motion was passed by a unanimous, roll-call vote.
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A ballot question requesting authorization to issue $59.8 million in school building bonds narrowly failed in a special election on April 13. A similar proposal, divided into two ballot questions, also failed on Nov. 3, 2020.
Superintendent Lance Bagstad reported that more than 40 staff members attended a meeting in mid-July to discuss the school improvement project, including the grade realignment sought by moving grades 7-8 from Century School to the improved high school.
