st. cloud referendum

St. Cloud School Superintendent Laurie Putnam joined me on WJON to talk further on the upcoming District 742 Apollo Referendum questions. She says anyone interested in learning about these questions can access an online presentation prepared by her and Apollo Principal Justin Skaalerud.

A proposal to repurpose a portion of Tech High School if a referendum passes this fall would likely cost between $8 to $10 million, according to District 742 Superintendent Willie Jett. The district unveiled a proposal for the historic site earlier this month if a referendum passes for a new Tech High School this fall.

Funds for a new Tech High School and for updates to Apollo High School will likely return to the ballot for St. Cloud area voters this November. On Thursday, Superintendent Willie Jett proposed a roughly $138 referendum to bring to the ballot this fall.

When a referendum returns to the St. Cloud area school district community in the future, it will involve two high schools again. The board confirmed its decision to maintain a two high school system for a future referendum after hearing a presentation from Superintendent Willie Jett and administration.

The St. Cloud area school board heard feedback on why a recent referendum failed, summarized from recent community listening sessions. The $167 million November referendum, which included money for a new Tech and updates to Apollo High School, failed with 53% voting against and 47% voting yes.

The city of St. Cloud is considering putting a bond referendum on the ballot this November. Mayor Dave Kleis says it stems from their recent citywide survey where respondents indicated transportation, congestion and the condition of roads as the top priority.