Commissioner issues favorable review of district's $5 million bond proposal; referendum process moves forward

The Lake of the Woods School Board received an informational review from the commissioner of education on the district's proposed construction project and bond package. Staff said the commissioner's office provided a favorable reviewing comment on the submission outlining project scope and financing.

The submission, as presented to the board, requests approximately $5 million in bonding authority and proposes a capital levy of $400,000 per year for 10 years. Project cost categories listed in the packet include roof and window replacement, building-envelope repairs, flooring replacement, site improvements to improve traffic flow and walkways, contingencies, fees, permits and testing, and bond issuance costs.

No action was required at the meeting; staff said the next procedural steps include publishing required notices in the local paper, collecting affidavits of publication, coordinating timeline and legal steps with the district attorney and county auditor, and approving election judges at the next board meeting in advance of two upcoming special elections (one for a board seat, one for the bond referendum). Staff said the referendum brochure has been prepared and distributed to staff, and additional public-information pieces will be released on social media.

Board members did not vote on the bond package during the working session; staff emphasized the materials submitted met the state's review expectations and that the board will see election-related items for approval next month.