ADAMS, Minn. — Southland School District administrators are working to form a new plan after voters soundly rejected a proposed $24.56 million bond issue to renovate the district's middle and high schools and close the elementary school in Rose Creek.
"We aren't sure of the exact price or even a range yet for what we would go out for," Superintendent Jeff Sampson said. "At this point though, I think it would be safe to say that it will be quite a bit less."
Whether to close Southland Elementary is also being discussed.
"The board did instruct me in August at our meeting to look further into the possibility of closing Rose Creek at the end of this year if the potential bond passes or not in February," Sampson said.
The failed bond
In June, the district held a special election, asking voters for $24.56 million to address the district's aging schools. A task force of community members determined the best options were to either renovate all three buildings to modern standards; or renovate the middle and high schools and close Southland Elementary, moving those students to a renovated middle school.
District officials chose the second option, saying the plan would cut operating costs, address declining enrollment and alleviate operational cuts. Southland was forced to cut $500,000 from its budget in 2014.
Amanda Kellogg, 35, of Taopi, has five children enrolled in the Southland School District. She voted in favor of the bond issue in June.
"I know the discussion with my friends has been that we keep cutting and cutting and have nothing to offer anyone who wants to come to our school," Kellogg said. "Our school is amazing, and we wish it could grow...but with no art program, no cheerleading program, cutting classes, it's hard to show people all these things we have to offer."
Kellogg was in the minority. Voters rejected the measure, 860 to 355.
Kellogg stated that many taxpayers believed the administration was "sneaky" and that there weren't actual bids or estimates showing "actual costs."
"It was a lot of money they were asking for, and the numbers didn't really seem to mesh up," Kellogg said.
The district hopes to address some of those concerns with a public meeting on Sept. 11 at 6 p.m. in the high school auditorium. The board is also sending out a survey, asking voters for their perspective.
"Hopefully, by sending out the survey and having the public meeting, we will be able to narrow down the reasons (for the June bond issue's failure) and address them as we move forward," Sampson said.
A tight position
Kellogg said there was a lot of concern among voters regarding the possibility of closing Southland Elementary School.
"Seems like they were putting everyone in a tight position, making that decision without getting everyone on board with facility updates," she said. "I don't think they've elaborated on how closing Rose Creek is going to save $425,000 or whatever the number is. I mean, they can cut back to one principal, but where is the other money savings coming from?"
Sampson said the answers to those questions can be found on the district's web page.
"The costs are based on current projects going on in other schools as far as price per square foot, and they are conservative estimates to help prevent in cost overruns if the project would be approved," he said.
Kellogg said she hopes the district can mend the hard feelings left after the bond issue failed in June.
"I hope they can showcase the awesome attributes our school has and do something to attempt to grow the numbers," she said. "I have five kids in this school district who will graduate from here, and I want them to get the best possible education and experience they can."
