WINONA, Minn. – At its January 6 meeting the Winona School Board will consider details on funding $16 million in new air-quality systems at its two oldest buildings. The board committed itself in November to borrowing the funds through facility maintenance bonds.  For Washington-Kosciusko elementary, $1.7 million is proposed from the 2021 budget and $5.3 million from the 2022 budget. For Jefferson elementary, the plan is $2.1 million from 2021 budget and $1.7 million from 2022. The schools were built in the 1930s.Neither has dehumidifying air-circulation systems to clear Covid virus and other pollutants away.

Earlier: Two schools to be retrofitted for air quality

Middle School next

Longer term the Board is considering a new air-handling system at the Middle School, which oened in 2001. The improvement are expected to total $670,000 to be budgeted in annual increments over a four-year in beginning in 2023.