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School district sought cash for building repairs

For the second time this school year, voters in the Hastings school district rejected a $12 million bond measure Tuesday.

About 56 percent of voters — 2,764 — opposed the measure while 44 percent — 2,190 — supported it. The measure would have paid for the replacement of roofs and windows, lead-tainted pipes, cracking sidewalks and an outdated swimming pool. If it had passed, it would have added $60 to the annual tax bill for a house valued at $250,000.

Now the district is left to contemplate how to address its crumbling facilities, Superintendent Tim Collins said.

"There continues to be the perception that school districts are taxing people out of their homes," Collins said, "because we're asking voters to raise their taxes. That won't change because of the way the law is set up."

Tuesday's vote comes after the November election, when 56 percent of voters rebuffed a nearly $20 million bond issue.

But the district removed a proposal to restructure its elementary schools included in the November ballot question to garner more support.

The last bond measure to pass was in 1998, when voters approved funding for a new high school.

School districts pay for capital projects after receiving voter approval.

The district's four elementary buildings and middle school are in desperate need of repair, school administrators said.

At Hastings Middle School, where the most improvements are needed, the water line is drained daily because lead leaches into pipes.

Principal Mark Zuzek said the school monitors the water to ensure it is safe for students to drink.

Also on the list for the middle school: a roof replacement that would take three years, replacing missing or damaged ceiling tiles and renovating the swimming pool.

The district decided in February to hold the referendum this month because such bond measures are difficult to pass during elections that coincide with presidential races, Collins said.

The district has said it has no choice but to revisit the issue.

It's only a matter of when, Collins said.

"At some point in time, we'll definitely have to come back," he said.

Bao Ong can be reached at 651-228-5435.

http://www.twincities.com/education/ci_9471746