Fergus Falls Voters To Decide Nearly $55 Million School Bond on Tuesday

FERGUS FALLS, MINN. (KVRR) – Voters will decide on a nearly $55 million bond referendum for Fergus Falls Public Schools next Tuesday.

“Our cabling doesn’t conform to modern standards and the architect said that’s because it was installed before standards existed. So it gives you an idea of some of the age of the infrastructure.”

Infrastructure problems like this is part of why Drake says that the Fergus Falls Public School District is seeking $54.8 million through a bond referendum.

If the bond referendum is passed, schools like Adam’s Elementary and McKinley Elementary will be closed and sold.

Drake adds that the limited space in both schools, which are 85 years old, has limited the schools ability to provide important learning services to their students.

“Over the course of time, we’ve tried to utilize every nook and cranny in those spaces to try to provide the supports. But we would like to see dedicated spaces that are currently designed with that purpose.”

And so after an architectural review, the district decided that it was time to build a new school.

The new 102,000 square foot facility would house grades 3 through 5, and the location would provide easier access to learning opportunities at the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center.

“Right now for us to transport those students out to the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center, that’s 35 to 40 minutes round-trip every day.”

Drake says the new school would also provide the district with much needed greenspace.

“For us to have the 29 acres to allow us to do a middle school soccer field and the middle school baseball field is pretty important. Otherwise we’re largely reliant, in many sports, for the use of city facilities.”

With higher enrollment in recent years, Drake says he believes the project is important to offering a great education to their students.

“Our mission is to create an environment where all students can reach their full potential. It’s really about aligning your facilities to match up with your mission.”

According to the district, if the referendum is passed the average homeowner in Fergus Falls would see a tax increase of $100 per year.