Wrenshall School District Hoping For Millions

Referendum To Be Voted On In April

Wrenshall, Minn.

Wrenshall School District is hoping to invest 12.5 million dollars into their school system if a proposed referendum is passed

Tonight hundreds showed up to the meeting held by the school board to make sure their voices were heard.

The referendum discussed tonight has been years I the making. Some approve while some are apprehensive

It was a split room tonight, as many came out to have their questions or concerns heard by school board members in Wrenshall.

The proposed referendum up for discussion would include millions of dollars in renovations to the current schools structure while also adding a new wing to fit the school’s growing needs.

“We’re needing to not only make improvements to the current school district but were also needing to add on some new space so that were able to accommodate our students and also to be prepared for some growth in the district.”

Nearly 40 percent of Wrenshall’s K–12 student population consists of students from other districts. With the growing numbers and an outdated school the superintendent Kim Belasco says, to meet the students educational needs passing of the referendum is essential.

“We need some improvements. It’s no different than taking care of our homes. Our homes need to be repaired as things need it. We have to do that with our schools also, unfortunately that cost money.”

The state of Minnesota has open enrollment. That means that parents can come and go if they choose.

Those opposed to the idea say the numbers are up for now but what if that changes? Who’s left to foot the bill?

“As enrollment increases the burden becomes greater on property tax payers. Fine we pay the 20 year mortgage of hundreds of dollars per year for this. We’re also going to be strapped and burdened with any operating cost that the school has to apply.”

Of the 12.5 million dollars up for vote all of it would fall back on the tax payers in the district if. That raises an eyebrow for some.

“The bottom line is, a lot of people in our area out here, our School district are seniors. Many live with fixed incomes. We have a lot of retiree’s and with that find it difficult that the school would propose a massive referendum.”

It will be interesting to follow as they plan to have meeting weekly leading up to the April 18th vote.