Detroit Lakes School District Going for Round Two

Voters knocked down Detroit Lakes’ $63 million referendum the first time around, but in a few months the school will go for round two.
 
For the most part, it’s like November all over again for Detroit Lakes Schools.

The referendum still includes a 720 seat middle school, converting the existing middle school to an elementary school and heavy renovation to the high school.

The big difference is the cost is down about $5 million than before.

The proposed tax impact would be $19 a month on a $150,000 home.

That’s down about $4 a month from last time.

“Basically it comes down to what the tax impact is on the voters and we’re cognizant of that but at the same time education is an investment,” says Detroit Lakes School Superintendent, Doug Froke.
 
Froke says to cut costs, instead of a wrap-around addition to the high school, the new addition would just be your typical classrooms.

They also dropped the cost by lowering the square footage.
 
 The ballot in November was a three question ballot with extra questions about a pool and performing arts center.

The ballot this time will only have one question.

The vote is set for May 17th.