Schools seek $460M for construction

Like other Minnesota school districts, the Elk River system has some big construction plans to handle a growing influx of students.

But before any dirt moves, Elk River will need to persuade voters on Nov. 4 to approve a $98.03 million bond referendum to address demands at five over-capacity schools, including Rogers High School.

The bond question covers several big-ticket items, including a classroom wing and auditorium at Rogers High School, at 21000 141st Ave. in Rogers, and a new E-8 school on district-owned land in Otsego, according to district communications director Charlie Blesener.

Statewide, more than $460 million worth of construction is on the line Tuesday as 26 districts ask voters to sign off on everything from security improvements to new buildings, according to a list from the Minnesota School Boards Association.

The biggest referendums are in Elk River ($98.03 million), Waconia ($75 million), Centennial ($49.935 million), Sibley East ($43.045 million), Bemidji ($39.815 million), Rushford-Peterson ($38.165 million) and Moose Lake ($34.7 million).

The November ballot questions add to an already strong year for school bond referendums. Twenty of 27 referendums have passed so far in 2014, kick-starting more than $400 million in construction, maintenance and renovation projects.

Voters have rejected $314.5 million in bonding for school projects this year, including a $188 million referendum for a new high school and other improvements in the Forest Lake district.

As Finance & Commerce reported last November, 26 of 30 capital bond initiatives were successful, generating $560 million for new construction, technology upgrades, security improvements and more.

As the economy improves, more referendums are getting yes votes.

Tony Sjolander, a school bond referendum consultant with DLR Group in Minneapolis, said the passage rate is now in the mid-80 percent range, compared with less than 50 percent in 2008.

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Schools seek $460M for construction