It looks more and more as if Grand Forks voters will be asked to support an $86 million dollar bond issue for school facilities. School board members reached consensus on the figure this week. The largest component of the plan is a $70.5 million dollar consolidation of three north side elementary schools and Valley Middle. The district is also eyeing a ten mill bump in the building fund.
The board may also have at its disposal some energy funding and the potential for $15 to $20 million in CARES Act or ESSER funding. Consultant Tom Weber of SitelogIQ says those dollars are part of the equation – but target indoor air quality and HVAC issues.
“If we are able to move a few of the projects over from the bond funding and take care of these with ESSER funds it allows us to move more projects up the list that we otherwise have an opportunity to do. There is the possibility of reducing the ask of the community as well.”
Facility needs of the district reportedly top 160 million dollars. The board is expected to give final approval to a bond resolution in early April. A tentative election date is planned for June 8th.
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