Proposed Chatfield Referendum Will Benefit Everyone

By Emily Sinn

Chatfield, MN

The proposed gym expansion at the high school is something our community has contemplated for years.  As a parent of a junior and eighth grader, I have experienced firsthand the challenges of the lack of space for practices, competitions, school day activities, and fine arts events.  This has resulted in late-night practices, crowded competitions and concerts, and scheduling challenges.  I remember multiple times when I told grandparents not to come to my children’s events because there wouldn’t be a place to sit anyway … how sad.

I’m not sure there is ever an “ideal time” to ask voters to consider a bond.  However, I do know for certain that the cost to address this critical need will never be less than it is right now.  I also know that this needed investment will serve our students and community for generations to come.  If this gym expansion passes, only one of my two children will get to reap the rewards, however, I am not just voting yes for them, I’m voting yes for all of us.

Here are just a few of the benefits.  The needed space will improve scheduling for physical education classes.  We will have an appropriately sized competition gym for high school games (I’m not sure if many know that our competition gym is the size of a standard middle-school gym).  We will have the space we need for choir and band concerts, and we will not have to cancel activities leading into those nights for set up because of lack of space.  The larger weight room will allow more students to use the space (not just in-season athletes).  Our youth sports teams will be able to practice at reasonable hours and will even have the needed space to host tournaments!!!  Bringing people to our community for these events will also be great for our small businesses!

The website www.chatfieldstrong.org is a great resource to learn more about the proposed plan.  Community members have been working with the school board, administration, and designers for over a year to ensure that your voices have been heard, needs and wants addressed, and financial impacts were taken into account with the utmost respect and consideration.  Please take the time to learn more and think about how this investment will benefit our entire community today and for years to come.  Thank you for your time.