WINONA, Minn. – The finance director for Winona Schools, Sarah Slaby, is examining possibilities to complete a $26 million upgrade for heating and cooling upgrade project at two aging grade schools. The Board had budgeted $16 million for the projects – far short of the lowest bid that was submitted. Despite not having enough money, the Board ordered construction, at Washington-Kosciusko and Jefferson schools, to start over the summer. But the work can’t be completed unless another $10 million is found. Meanwhile, the schools are torn up. It’s a conundrum for the School Board, which is gun-shy about going to voters to approve a tax increase to cover the $10 million shortfall — especially after voters in April overwhelmingly rejected a $94 million bonding referendum for other projects. There is a provision in state law for school boards to borrow emergency money for what’s called “health and safety” projects. Slaby told the Board’s Finance Committee that she has been in touch with tax consultant about options for the $10 million under the health and safety provisions. Under the provisions, the bonds would need repayment over 10 years, rather than the usual 30-year term for voter-approved referendum borrowing.
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