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Rush City School Board looks to voters once again - Referendum set for April 29By Danielle Strenke The board held a special meeting Monday to discuss the specifics of the special election and the issues which will be voted on by residents. The first concerns issuing bonds for construction of an addition and renovations to Jacobson Elementary, in an amount not to exceed $11,150,000. The second question will ask the voters to approve bonds not to exceed $1,785,000 for replacing the roof and improving site drainage at Rush City High School. Superintendent Tim Eklund told the board the referendum would be very similar to the Dec. 11, 2001 referendum, which failed by a vote of 695 to 466. ìWe havenít really deviated from the elements it contained before,î he said. ìThe need for elementary space is there, and the high school roof. The only thing left out was the transportation building.î The Dec. 11 referendum included only one question, asking voters to approve the sale of bonds at $12.78 million for the three projectsñelementary school addition, high school roof, and repairs/renovations at the schoolís bus garage. Board member Paul Pasche said he appreciated the dedication of the task force assigned to work on finding the best options for the district. ìI think itís appropriate to thank the committee who worked on this. Of course theyíre not off the hook yetñthis is when the real fun begins,î he said. Committee members in the audience told the board they were not always in agreement, but they held some good discussions and worked hard to come to a decision. Goretsas said her only concern was the possibility of disrupting students during the construction and remodeling process at both schools. ìWas that considered?î she asked. Eklund said the new construction on the elementary school would begin in the fall, but would be totally separated from the existing facility to cause no disruptions to classes. Renovations at the elementary would be completed during the summer, as would the roof at the high school. The polls for the special election April 29 will be open from noon to 8 p.m. ©ECM Post Review |