Carlton Voters to Decide School Future

CARLTON, Minn. – The future of Carlton High school is up for a vote August 8th.

That’s when voters in the school district cast ballots on a two question referendum.

The first, to approve more than $23.5 million to renovate South Terrace Elementary and build a new high school on the site.  The second would approve another $3.3 million for an auditorium, outdoor teaching areas, and athletic facility upgrades.  The second question cannot pass if the first question doesn’t.

District Superintendent Gwen Carman says the cost to get both South Terrace Elementary, built in 1961; and Carlton High School, built in 1916; up to code, would exceed $20 million.  She says it makes financial sense for voters to approve the referendum.

“We really feel its time for the people of the Carlton district to decide if they’re ready to support the investment in new schools,” said Carman.  “They could be community owned schools and would provide our students the education stability they need for the future.”

The money would come from a property tax increase.  Some families may be eligible to have most of the increase refunded.  For more information, click here.