MCW voters have bond referendum questions to consider

To the Editor:

The Martin County West School District will be asking voters to consider two bond referendum questions on May 14, 2024.

The first referendum question proposed is for a $64.7 million bond that would fund a new PreK-12 grade school at the current high school site. This will address the school board s priorities of fiscal sustainability, quality learning spaces for all, and maximizing operating efficiencies throughout the District.

Question two which is a proposed $2.04 million bond to build an auxiliary gymnasium to provide the District with the same amount of gym space the District had before the Welcome Building closed.

The community is invited to learn more about the bond referendum at two upcoming open houses at Martin County West High School, located at 16 West 5th Street in Sherburn:

• Thursday, April 4 from 5-7 p.m.

• Monday, April 29 from 5-7 p.m.

The District’s design, construction, and financial consultants will be on hand to answer questions.“The school board has spent a considerable amount of time reviewing various options to address the District’s operating and facility needs. We are committed to the long-term success of the Martin County West School District and have determined that this plan best meets that goal,” states Sarah Jagodzinske Rohman, Board Chair.

The proposed plan addresses the District’s fiscal sustainability by addressing aging buildings and failing building systems, reducing the amount of District operated square footage (27,055 less square feet to heat, clean, and operate), designing flexible spaces that can be used for multiple purposes, installing energy-efficient systems and having a better insulated building envelope, sharing of staff and resources across grade levels, eliminating the need for students and staff to travel between buildings, and improving staff efficiencies and reducing duplication. Referendum information can be found on the district’s website: www.martin.k12.mn.us.

Cori Reynolds,

MCW Superintendent

Sherburn