ROCHESTER, Minn. – The second time around worked for the Rochester School Board. Voters approved $200 million in new spending over the next 10 years. Last year a levy failed for construction, also for $200 million. The new levy passed 57% to 43%. The levy was promoted as the “Ignite Student Learning” referendum.

Verbatim

Kent Pekel, superintendent: “The approval will enable us  to avoid closing schools, raising class sizes, and making major cuts to positions and prograss. It will provide the financial stability we need to continue implementing our ambitious strategic plan and to remain focused on our academic mission.”