Pelican votes on school Thursday

By Forrest Adams
Fergus Falls Daily Journal

The moment of truth has nearly arrived for voters in Pelican Rapids School District 548. Will they approve or deny the school board's request to approve a $33 million bond referendum to build a new high school and remodel other buildings?

Voting will be in the high school cafeteria from 3 to 8 p.m., and Pelican Rapids Superintendent of Schools Kent Baldry said the school board's focus now is on encouraging people to "get out the vote."

Approved or not, the issue will not go away, he said.

If it is approved, nearly $5 million will be allocated toward retrofitting the elementary school. The rest will go toward building a new high school in a new location and making certain the old high school is suitable for future occupants.

If it is not approved, said Baldry, "The board would probably view their options and based on the information they have shared with the public, they would determine the timeline for another referendum."

April 28 was the last public question-and-answer session, with both sides voicing opinions, said Baldry.

"I think people are anxious about this," he said. "There are definite opinions about the questions and answers. We have had both perspectives."

Opponents cite the high price tag, which will lead to higher taxes. However, Baldry said Pelican will remain in the lower 50 percent of school districts for taxes. He added that the $33 million is not set in stone. After going through a competitive bidding process, the project could come in under budget, he said. The stipulation is that the "district can not spend a penny more."

"Some of the lake people who live here during the summer have no vote, so they feel that the school board is taking advantage of them [because their taxes will increase]. But it's law. The board is not taking advantage of anybody," he said. "There were comments raised by supporters that [the school replacement] is inevitable down the road, and given the price tag, prices are sure to rise, and now we would have a better deal."