Wells, Minn. -
United South Central is turning to the community to help update its outdated school facility.
The school board has scheduled a vote for a nearly $29 million bond referendum for a new K–12 facility in Wells.
USC is no stranger to bond referendums, the school has had 3 defeated since 2002, but with an ever–aging facility, trying again has become the only option.
Superintendent Jerry Jensen says, "We have to do something."
Ninety–five–percent of the school is over 50 years old, one building behind me was build in 1932 and as the building ages, problems continue to arise.
Jensen says, "Just being able to maintain the facility has been more and more a problem for us."
Jensen says that this time around he thinks the community is more willing to sacrifice to help build a new $28.825 million facility.
Jensen says, "I think people are more aware now of the facility, of the condition of the facility, and realize it is getting really old."
The bond referendum would up taxes $184 a year on a $100-thousand home.
Jensen says, "A problem in our district is we're so rural. Ag property is fairly high value and we have farmers who farm a substantial amount of land."
Jensen says the sacrifice is needed though.
Jensen says, "I think that a cornerstone to every community if you want to prosper and continue to grow I think we need a good education system."
Jensen says, "Looking out 20 years something needs to be done with the facility in order for us to provide quality education."
And help the students of USC have a quality future.
Residents will vote on August 14th.
