Rushford-Peterson Public School District, ISD #0239-01, is proposing a single question referendum on February 10, 2026, that would authorize $24.015 million in bonding authority to finance improvements at the existing PK-12 facility. The largest project component is a building addition that would house a two-station gymnasium with bleacher seating for 400, six restrooms, storage and a lobby area. Other proposed additions would house: daycare classrooms, elementary music/flex classrooms, high school classrooms and an expanded lobby area. A replacement outbuilding to house maintenance and concessions, along with the demolition of existing outbuildings is also being proposed. Other proposed upgrades to the existing structure include: lighting/controls, security equipment, plumbing and site improvements.
The proposed projects would be scheduled for completion in calendar years 2026 through 2028. Cost estimates by project cost component are as follows
Building Additions / New Outbuilding:
Gymnasium – Two Station & Bleachers $7,699,000
Daycare Space $2,198,000
Elementary Classrooms (Music & Flex Space) $1,465,000
High School Classrooms $1,358,000
Lobby / Entrance / Storage Area $1,157,000
Outbuilding – Maintenance / Concessions $644,000
Connections from Addition to Existing Space $91,000
$14,612,000
Other Project Costs:
Plumbing Upgrades – FACS Space / Fixtures $431,000
Lighting & Control Upgrades $2,656,000
Security Equipment $275,000
Demo Existing Outbuildings $41,000
Site Improvements $868,000
Fees / Permits / Services $2,730,000
Contingencies $696,000
FF&E / Technology $1,133,000
Capitalized Interest $320,563
Bond Issuance $534,684
$9,685,247
TOTAL $24,297,247
The district currently has approximately 640 students enrolled in K-12 programming and is projecting a decline in enrollment to around 568 students over the next five years. For the 2024-2025 school year, 116 non-resident students open enrolled into the district and 60 resident students open enrolled out to neighboring school districts.
The proposed building additions are expected to increase annual operating costs by about $120,000. The proposed projects appear to be in the long-term interest of the district.
If the bond referendum is successful and bonds are sold, the debt service on the bonds will be eligible for debt service equalization under Minnesota Statutes, section 123B.53, subdivision 3, if the bond schedule is approved. The amount of debt service equalization aid, if any, the district receives is determined annually and is dependent upon property wealth, student population, and other statutory requirements.
Review and Comment Statement
Based on the department’s analysis of the school district’s required documentation and other pertinent information from sources of the Minnesota Department of Education, the Commissioner of Education provides a positive review and comment.
Additional Information is Available
Persons desiring additional information regarding this proposal should contact the school district superintendent’s office.
October 15, 2025
/s/ Willie L. Jett II, Commissioner
Publish 15,22
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