Voters in a north metro school district will soon be deciding on two ballot questions that could put taxpayers on the hook for as much as $107 million in school renovation projects.
St. Francis schools call for bond referendum
Planned projects for the bond referendum include sprucing up facilities and adding classroom spaces.
March 18, 2017 at 5:12AM
Independent School District 15 in February approved a special election, which will be conducted Tuesday, May 23. The 4,500-student district is in northern Anoka County and southern Isanti County.
The bond funds would help add classrooms, remedy deferred maintenance and modernize facilities, among other projects, according to the district. Portable classrooms will be eliminated. New entries are also planned for each of the district's buildings to improve security, said Superintendent Troy Ferguson.
"Our buildings are aging," Ferguson said. "This will be a long-term fix."
The first ballot question sets a $92.28 million limit on general obligation school building bonds. The second, which depends on approval of the first one, asks for a maximum of $15.52 million specifically for a multiuse activities center addition at St. Francis High School. Early plans call for the center to include a four-station gym floor and elevated walking track.
If voters approve both questions, the owners of a $150,000 home will pay about $100 more a year in taxes.
The district has listed polling locations on its website. Questions about the bond referendum can be sent to bond.questions@isd15.org. For information on absentee voting, contact Ann Johnson at 763-753-7044 or ann.johnson@isd15.org.
Should the referendum pass, construction work could begin as early as next fall.
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