WINONA, Minn. – The Winona School Board has a line-of-credit, so to speak, to borrow much more than the $16 million it budgeted originally to modernize two schools with air-conditioning. The projects will cost much more. But under Minnesota law the Board has authority to levy new taxes for facility upgrades like HVAC. The issue at Jefferson and Washington-Kosciusko schools is health and safety, said Board member Michael Hanratty: “We need to address it.” The Board originally figured that $16 million would cover the projects, but bids came in 40% to 64% higher. The Board now seems resolved to go as high as $24 million. The goal in a new round of bidding is begin construction this summer and finish by fall 2024 classes.
