As Enrollment Increases, Hawley School District Voters will Determine outcome of $53 Million Middle School Bond Referendum

Proposed field improvements

HAWLEY (KDLM) – A lot is on the line for the Hawley School District November 8 as School District voters will be asked to support a $53 million middle school project and another $3 million in renovations to the existing gyms and Dale Skallerud Athletic Complex.

Projections indicate that the Hawley Public Schools total enrollment is expected to climb by 22% in the next 9 years, Superintendent Phil Jensen says the District is running low on space and the two Referendums could help alleviate the pressure.

“The new middle school would serve grades 5-8 and includes some remodeling and small additions to both the elementary and the high school, number one being secure entries to those buildings,” said Jensen.

The existing high school would then be converted to serve grades 9-12, the existing elementary would be converted to serve grades PreK-4.

Question two, which is dependent on Question 1 would bring improvements to the existing gyms and Dale Skallerud Athletic Complex. These improvements would serve students in physical education classes and athletics. The High School gym is planned to be upgraded including: flooring, lighting, volleyball and basketball standards, bleachers, training room, and storage. The existing stadium is planned to be upgraded with a turf field, additional indoor storage, field event upgrades, and ticket area improvements.

If both questions are approved, property taxes would increase to fund the project, the District estimates the average homeowner in Hawley would a $42 per month increase.

If the referendum is not approved, student enrollment is expected to exceed building capacity in the next two years and the District says they’ll need to make further accommodations to fit students.

“We’re excited…we just encourage people to get out and vote no matter what their stance on the issue, but we encourage everyone to get out and vote,” said Jensen.