Two Northern Minnesota schools are hosting open houses Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 23-24, to show voters why they're attempting referendums in April.
Staples-Motley and Aitkin will seek voter approval for construction projects on April 14.
Voters rejected measures from Staples-Motley in 2019 and 2021.
The district said a $42.5 million project will "ensure our buildings meet high standards for safety, learning, career preparation, and student activities."
The referendum wouldn’t raise taxes for residents because the new debt would be phased in to replace old debt being paid off, according to the district.
Staples-Motley will host an open house from 6-8 p.m. Monday at the middle and high school. Visitors can see the spaces that would be improved and hear directly from teachers about needs.
Aitkin is also going back to the voters after they narrowly rejected a bid in November to build a new elementary school.
Voters will answer three ballot questions in the April 14 election: one for a new elementary school, one for a new transportation center and one to add another gym to the new elementary.
The new school and transportation center were part of the same question in November, which failed by 211 votes, or 3%. The district is reducing its total ask for the two builds by $6.5 million.
Community members can visit Rippleside Elementary between 5 and 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. There will be tours of the school at 5 and 7 p.m., community round tables at 5:30 p.m., a presentation at 6 p.m. and a Q&A at 6:30 p.m.
