A: District residents are voting on the authorization to issue $24,015,000 in General Obligation Bonds to fund facility improvement projects at the Rushford-Peterson School. 

A: District residents are voting on the authorization to issue $24,015,000 in General Obligation Bonds to fund facility improvement projects at the Rushford-Peterson School. 

• Additions:

  • Daycare and early childhood rooms and support spaces.

  •  Additional gymnasium space.

  • New high school and elementary classrooms, flexible learning spaces, and a state required storm shelter.

• Alterations & Improvements:

  • Repair and betterment projects (Priority 1 maintenance.

  • Renovation of the FACS lab to provide additional food safety surfaces.

  • A new maintenance building with storage, with improved concessions, bathrooms, and safety fencing at the athletic fields.

A: The proposed project is estimated to cost $24,015,000.

A: Construction is anticipated to begin in Summer 2026 and be completed by January 2028, with building occupancy scheduled for January 2028. 

A: The Ag2School Credit is a Minnesota tax credit that provides agricultural landowners with an automatic 70% reduction on the portion of their property tax that is levied for school bond debt. This credit applies to agricultural land but does not include the dwelling value (the house, garage, and one acre surrounding the agricultural homestead). For more information, please visit this site. https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/273.1387

A: If the referendum does not pass, the district will lose access to the over $20.5 million in combined state funding and credits (Disaster Relief Aid and Ag2School Credit) that is currently available to offset the principal cost of the $24,015,000 project. The facility deficiencies would remain, the necessary maintenance would still need to be completed, and addressing these issues in the future without this substantial state financial contribution would place a much higher burden on local taxpayers.

Short Answer: If the Natural Disaster Debt Service Equalization Aid was not available we would not be exploring this so aggressively. In 2034 we lose the ability to access that funding source, and we lose a year every year we do not access it. 

A: Through the process of a comprehensive facilities study and a public steering committee, the district identified critical, interconnected deficiencies that currently hinder student learning, strain families, and limit community growth. Key needs include the critical shortage of local daycare, inadequate gym space, insufficient classroom space for new and expanding programs (like robotics and engineering), required building maintenance needed to address failing facility systems. This is also a unique opportunity to maximize the project's impact by accessing remaining state disaster relief funding, which is a major factor in the lower net cost to taxpayers.

A: While the current building addressed core needs at the time, a recent comprehensive Facility Assessment identified critical deficiencies that directly impact student learning. The additions are strategic, designed to address the lack of dedicated spaces for daycare and early childhood programs, inadequate gym space, and insufficient space for crucial Career and Technical Education programs.

A: The project will elevate student learning and well-being by providing dedicated, adequate spaces for physical education, arts, and vocational training through increased space for technical training. The new classrooms will allow for expansion of future-ready programming, ensuring a comprehensive educational experience.

A: The project will strengthen community ties and attract families by offering crucial on-site daycare services. The new gymnasium and enlarged concessions will also support the expansion of regional events and tournaments, bringing visitors and economic benefits to local businesses.

A: The project provides essential community services, such as on-site daycare, that support working families and enhance the community's overall appeal and growth potential. Furthermore, ensuring the long-term vitality and quality of the school district is often tied to the strength and attractiveness of the surrounding community.

A: The plan was developed through a comprehensive Facility Assessment and Educational Adequacy Study. A community-based Long Range Planning Committee, comprising 25-30 participants including staff, parents, business members, and board members, reviewed the data, discussed options, and unanimously recommended the final project plan to the School Board.

A: The Building Bond Referendum Election is scheduled for Tuesday, February 10, 2026.

A: The election is on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. Official notice of polling places will be mailed to each household and published in the official newspaper prior to the election. In person voting will be held at the Rushford Village City Hall.

A: Yes, absentee (early) voting will be available. A notice to voters with the days, times, and location(s) for absentee voting will be published and posted by December 12, 2025.