GRANADA– The Granada-Huntley-East Chain School building bond referendum passed on Tuesday with unofficial results showing 253, or 57 percent of the voters in favor and 188, or 43 percent opposed.

The total referendum was $8.745 million, but more than half of that cost will be covered by the state of Minnesota due to the Ag2School credit. This equals $4.984 million covered by the state, leaving only $3.76 million for local taxpayers.

There were three pieces of growth to the referendum: renovating and expanding the Career and Technical Education (CTE) and agriculture shop, adding two general education classrooms and renovating and expanding the kitchen and service area.

A second item on the GHEC ballot said the district had proposed to increase its general education revenue by $2,700 per pupil. The proposed referendum revenue authorization would replace the school district’s existing authorization of $2,908.80 per pupil which is scheduled to expire after taxes payable in 2026. This also passed with unofficial results showing 264 of the voters in favor and 177 opposed.

Of the successful votes, GHEC Superintendent, Doug Storbeck, said, “This outcome represents our shared commitment to providing high-quality education in safe, functional and inspiring spaces. We recognize that this was a community decision made through thoughtful consideration, and we appreciate every resident who took the time to learn, ask questions and vote.

Storbeck said as the next phase is moved into the district will continue to communicate transparency with the community and keep it informed on project timelines and progress.

“Together, we are investing in the future of our students and community,” he said.