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Northland Community Schools is proposing a bond referendum on May 12th to finance major facility and site improvements at the PK - 12 facility located in Remer. The proposed projects include a 72,000 square foot, two-story addition; the demolition of the 1941 and 1974 additions, and a portion of the 1965 addition with additional space to be added to the remaining portion of the 1965 addition. Other projects include renovations and deferred maintenance projects in the remaining portion of the 1965 addition.

The estimated dollar amount of all projects, including bond issuance costs and capitalized interest, is $25,020,000. The projects would be scheduled for completion in the 2016 - 2017 calendar years. Cost estimates by project type are as follows: Building Additions 72,000 Square Feet $15,120,000; Deferred Maintenance 24,400 Square Feet $1,464,000; Renovations 7,200 Square Feet $900,000; Demolition 57,719 Square Feet $525,000; Site Work $550,000; Land $50,000; Contingency $930,450; FF&E/Technology $1,116,540; Fees/Permits $3,846,480; Bond Issuance/Capitalized Interst $517,530.

If the bond referendum is successful and bonds are sold, the debt service on the bonds will be eligible for debt service equalization under Minn. Stat. §123B.53, subd. 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.

Though enrollment has trended downward over the last several years, the district expects enrollment to stabilize within the next few years. The school board believes the proposed projects are in the best interest of the district.

Review and Comment Statement: Based upon 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.[[In-content Ad]]

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