The need for a new PreK–6 grade school was determined because:
Portions of the current PreK–7 school are approaching 100 years old.
The building systems are old and inefficient, costing more to operate than newer energy-efficient systems.
The school’s water lines and plumbing fixtures are failing.
The classrooms lack the needed electrical capacity and flexibility to meet today's teaching methods.
The cafeteria is undersized, resulting in students waiting in long lines to be served, inefficient flow of students throughout the room, and a loud environment that can cause overstimulation.
Classrooms that were added as “temporary” are now 40 years old.
The school has various levels, making it challenging for individuals who can't utilize stairs to access all parts of the building.
There is a lack of gym space.
The District is operating more square footage than is needed. This causes inefficiencies and costs more.
Available space at the high school can support 7th grade students. This will allow for a junior high schedule for the 7th and 8th grade students, more effectively using staff.
Updates at the high school are needed due to:
Air handling units are 30 years old and approaching the end of their service life. They will require updates or replacement.
The main entrance needs to be reconfigured to improve safety and better monitor visitors.
Excess space can be repurposed to serve the 7th grade students.
The media center (library) can be updated to better support student learning.
Proposed Plan
A New PreK–6 School will provide:
✔ Less overall square footage to heat, clean, and operate (67,000 less sq. feet)
✔ Appropriate sized classrooms that have the flexibility to provide both large and small group instruction
✔ Energy-efficient systems and infrastructure
✔ Natural light in classrooms
✔ Entrances and classrooms with recommended security features
✔ Electrical capacity to support today’s technology needs
✔ A dedicated cafeteria that can more efficiently serve breakfast and lunch as well as be used for large group activities outside of the school day
✔ Gym space that can serve as a storm shelter should it be needed
✔ Needed large group activity and gym space
Transitioning the 7th grade to the High School will:
✔ Utilize existing space within the District
✔ Allow staff and resources to be utilized more efficiently
✔ Create a junior/senior high course model
What will the bond cost me?
Tax Impact Chart
The tables below show the tax impacts for the two bond questions on various types and values of properties.
Question 1: Shall the School Board of Independent School District No. 2860 (Blue Earth Area Schools) be authorized to issue general obligation school building bonds in an amount not to exceed $66,845,000, to provide funds for the acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities, including construction and equipping of a new PreK-6 elementary school facility and additional gymnasium; the construction of additions, renovations, and improvements to the existing High School site and facility; and the decommissioning of the existing Elementary/Middle School facility?
Community Information Meetings
September 23, 2024 | 5:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M. High School Performing Arts Center
September 24, 2024 | 11:30 A.M. – 12:30 P.M. PreK–7 School Media Center
October 2, 2024 | 6:30 P.M. – 7:30 P.M Virtual link to come. Email questions in advance to: Mandy Fletcher mfletcher@beas.blueearth.k12.mn.us
Vote Early/Absentee
District residents can vote early in person at the Fairbault County Courthouse.
Fairbault County Courthouse
415 N Main Street, Blue Earth
Weekdays September 20 – November 4, 2024
8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.Saturday, October 26, 2024
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.Tuesday, October 29, 2024
8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Request an absentee ballot be mailed to you by clicking here.
Vote on Election Day: November 5, 2024
Residents can vote at their local polling place on Tuesday, Nov. 5.
Polls are open from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Find your polling place here.
Save time on Election Day by registering in advance.