Parents of Clearview Elementary Students had an opportunity to learn more about the upcoming referendum election in the St. Cloud school district at the recent fun night program at the school.

 

The referendum will seek approval of a proposed $167,000,000 building bond from district voters in the Tue., Nov. 3 election.  If approved, the referendum will fund the acquisition of land and the construction of a new Technical High School in St. Cloud at an anticipated cost of $113,800,000. The program would also include renovations to Apollo High School at a cost of $46,500,000, safe entrances and added security for all district schools at a cost of $2,500,000, and added technology infrastructure and devices to enhance “anytime/anywhere” access at a cost of $4,200,000.

 

District officials were quoted as saying the bond referendum would provide “safe, affordable, accessible and equitable schools for all students and staff,” and would be a major step in “equipping students with the tools and resources needed to succeed.”

 

Figures presented at the session in Clear Lake indicated the local school tax on a $150,000 home in the St. Cloud district is currently $521, lower than the tax on a similar home in Sauk Rapids/Rice, Sartell/St. Stephen or Rocori. Passage of the referendum would increase the St. Cloud tax on that home to $739.18, just below the figure for Sauk Rapids/Rice and above Sartell/St. Stephen and Rocori but “still competitive” with those areas, officials said.

 

For more information on the referendum, voters may contact the district via e-mail at bond2015@isd742.org, or by phone at 320.224.9021. They can also visit www.voteyes742.org.

 

St. Cloud School Board member Debra Erickson also forwarded a press release which lists the locations and times of other referendum information sessions around the district prior to the election. Erickson has long been active in Clearview programs, including two terms as PTSA president. She also has a student in the Spanish Immersion program at the school.

 

A televised community forum will be held at the St. Cloud City Hall, 400 2nd St. South, from 7-9 p.m. Mon., Oct. 12. An informational meeting and tour will be held at Apollo High School, 1000 44th Ave. North, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Wed., Oct. 21.  An informational meeting and tour will also be held at Technical High School, 233 South 12th Ave., Wed., Oct. 28 beginning at 6:30 p.m.