Building and Improvement Bond |
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Bond Referendum Q & A  Attendance Boundaries |
Voters Pass Bond ReferendumOn Sept. 12 voters passed both building and improvement bond referendum questions with 65 percent voting yes to Question 1 asking for $33.5 million for a new St. Joseph school and improvements to existing buildings and 59 percent voting yes to Question 2 asking for $2 million for the acquisition of land for future school sites. The new school will house preschool through grade eight students and be located on 71 acres District 742 owns at Jade Road and Stearns County Road 121, south of St. Joseph. Election results were were canvassed at the Sept. 13 board meeting. View the official results. Overview
The population of the City of St. Joseph has nearly doubled from 2,994 in 1980 to 5,438 in 2004. St. Joseph Township has also grown considerably, boasting a 2003 population of 2,227. Kennedy Elementary has experienced a significant increase in enrollment and is now bursting at the seams with 440 preschool through grade six students. To accommodate the enrollment increase, six relocatable classrooms have been rented and filled. Area planners project continued major growth in the area. Adding more relocatable classrooms or building an addition are not options. In 2005, the District invited a community-wide task force, city and regional planners, and parents to complete a comprehensive, long-term facilities plan. The task force strongly recommended resolving the growth issue by building a "new Kennedy." The Board of Education approved a $35.5 million bond referendum for Sept. 12, 2006, which would fund a new St. Joseph school, improvements at other buildings. The 135,000 sq. ft. school would house preschool through grade eight students. District 742 owns 71 acres at Jade Road and Stearns County Road 121, south of St. Joseph. About $8 million would fund building improvements such as updated science labs at the secondary schools, improved safety and security for students, staff and visitors, and improved energy-efficiency systems. For more information view our Building and Improvement Bond Q & A (last update July 5). |
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