In 2014, R-P School District voters approved the construction of a new school, which opened for the school year in 2017 at a cost of $33.5 million. Their previous school facility was considered to be one of the oldest in the State of Minnesota.
On Tuesday, February 10, 2026, residents of the Rushford-Peterson School District took to the polls to cast their vote on a $24 million referendum. There were 1,188 voters with 744 against and 444 in favor. The referendum was voted down.
According to Rushford-Peterson Superintendent Ben Bernard, “The purpose of the referendum was to be proactive and to access state funds — only available to two schools in the state — so that fewer local funds would be used for projects identified as community needs. The questions for the board will now be how, or if, they want to move forward to complete these projects using more local funding or alternate alternative funding sources and how quickly they want to complete these tasks.”
The proposed funding was earmarked for strategic additions and essential facility alterations.
Included in the proposal were daycare and early childhood rooms and support spaces, additional gymnasium space, and new high school and elementary classrooms. Flexible learning space and a state required storm shelter were included in this investment.
The proposal included repairs and betterment projects along with renovation of the FACS lab to provide additional food safety surfaces. A new maintenance building with storage with improved concessions, bathrooms, and safety fencing at the athletic fields.
“We will always look to improve and provide Rushford-Peterson students with the highest quality education possible. This is an ongoing process, regardless of whether a vote passes or fails. The failed vote simply provides another piece of information to help guide our decision-making,” shared Bernard.
Look for more information on district plans from upcoming school board meeting coverage in the Fillmore County Journal.
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