District 742 Planning to Raise Taxes by $3.1 Million in 2015 [AUDIO]

ST. CLOUD - The St. Cloud area school district is planning to raise taxes by $3.1 million in 2015 in order to pay for expansion of several local schools and an energy program upgrade.

District 742 executive director of business services, Kevin Januszewski says the money will be used to expand three schools, expand the Apollo High School kitchen and also to build a replacement building for Roosevelt in 2016.

Expanding and upgrading Clearview Elementary, Kennedy Community School and North Junior High is now expected to cost at estimated $17 million. The expansions are scheduled to be completed in time for the 2015 school year.

The tax increase for an owner of a $150,000 home is expected to be around three dollars a month.

The tax money will also be used for the energy efficiency program. The district will replace steam boilers and do other projects that will reduce utility costs by about $8 million. Januszewski says the energy upgrades will save the district money, which it will use to pay off bonds.

The tax proposal will be presented and discussed during the school board meeting on Thursday night at 7:00 p.m. at St. Cloud City Hall.