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MDE gives positive review for Rushford-Peterson's proposed $24 million bond referendum
Summary
The Minnesota Department of Education provided a positive review on Oct. 15, 2025, for Rushford-Peterson Public Schools’ proposed single-question bond referendum to finance facility additions and upgrades, setting steps the district must follow before a referendum can proceed.
The Minnesota Department of Education provided a positive review and comment on Oct. 15, 2025, for Rushford-Peterson Public Schools’ proposed single-question referendum to authorize bonding authority for PK–12 facility improvements.
The department’s review, included in the board packet, says voter and school board approval are required before the district may proceed with a referendum, solicit bids, or issue bonds. The material lists the district’s responsibilities under Minnesota Statutes, section 123B.71, including publishing a summary in the district’s legal newspaper 48–70 days before a referendum and soliciting public comment as part of the record.
The packet describes the proposal as a single-question referendum, scheduled for Feb. 10, 2026 (as presented in materials), seeking approximately $24.015 million in bonding authority to finance improvements at the existing PK–12 facility. The district documents show a detailed project scope with major components: a two-station gymnasium with bleacher seating for 400, daycare classrooms, elementary music/flex space, additional high school classrooms, an expanded lobby, and a replacement outbuilding for maintenance and concessions. The packet includes line-item cost estimates and other project costs; the total in the included cost table is shown as $24,297,247.
The department’s review also identified operating cost implications and enrollment projections: the packet estimates the proposed additions would increase annual operating costs by about $120,000 and projects a five-year enrollment decline toward roughly 568 students (materials cite current enrollment near 640). The materials note debt service equalization eligibility under Minn. Stat. §123B.53 if bonds are sold and schedules are approved; the amount of aid would be determined annually and depend on property wealth and statutory factors.
The MDE letter in the packet (signed by Commissioner Willie L. Jett II) also reminded the district to solicit and include public comments in the review and to follow certification and inspection requirements before occupying any renovated or new facility, citing ASHRAE Standard 52.1 for filtration systems and other construction compliance obligations.
What happens next: the packet shows the department’s positive comment, and it states the district must publish the required summary and continue the public process before any referendum or construction bidding. The Feb. 10, 2026 date appears in district materials as the planned referendum date; formal board actions and voter approval were listed as required next steps in the packet.
