SAUK RAPIDS -- After two years of research and feedback by a community task force, the Sauk Rapids-Rice school board approved a bonding proposal, set to be voted on May 23rd.

The proposal is for $86.9 million dollars. Board Chairman Mark Hauck says they went to the community without any preconceived notions.

"So as a part of the conversations we identified issues first, we did not come to the group with any preconceived notions, only that we needed to do more for safety, and provide more space for elementary students."

Two options will now be presented to voters for approval in May.

The first option is $56.9 million dollars for upgrading all district facilities with new security and accessibility options, new athletic facilities at the high school, expanded early education learning space for Hillside Center, and Rice Elementary, and a new elementary school.

The second option is dependent on the first one passing, and will be for $30 million, to rebuild Pleasantview Elementary at it's current location.

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