Spring is just around the corner here at Henning Public School. Before we know it, seniors will be preparing for graduation while our early childhood staff prepare to welcome a new generation of learners to their first day of school.

District residents will also be preparing for a big opportunity to shape the future of our school. On Tuesday, May 9, residents will vote on a bond referendum plan to make critical investments in our school building. As superintendent, I want to take a moment to update our community on this important community decision. 

As you might recall,  efforts to make repairs and improvements to our students’ learning environment began in the fall of 2021. With the help of independent experts, we began a thorough review of our school building which featured a building assessment, educational adequacy study, and demographic analysis.  We also held  seven  input sessions, both virtually and in person with staff, students, district leaders, and community members.

The educational adequacy study found that our building fails to meet standards in eight of the eighteen categories identified by the Minnesota Department of Education. The building also faces health and safety challenges from outdated HVAC systems, building entrances and other infrastructure. From this review, it became clear that our school requires extensive maintenance and renovation to meet the needs identified by the independent experts as well as from the needs that were brought to our attention by our community, staff, students, the board and district leaders.

In November 2022, voters narrowly rejected a bond referendum to address these needs, which would have addressed the majority of the proposed maintenance and renovation if question one had passed.

Since then, the district has reevaluated the needs of the building. After careful consideration of the still-present needs of our building and further feedback from district staff, the district has decided to present voters with a similar, two question bond referendum on May 9, 2023.

The plan addresses many of the same needs identified by the November plan, but at a lower cost to the average district resident. Question One requests $22.7 million to improve indoor air quality, renovate classrooms, address interior deferred maintenance needs and complete building envelope repairs. It would also build a new secure entrance and office, a dedicated cafeteria and student commons area, career and technical education spaces, updates to the stage and performing arts area, a new parking lot and playground, and a new parent drop-off loop. 

Question Two requests $4.35 million to add a multi-use gymnasium, which would provide additional space for K-12 physical education classes, athletic practices and events. The gym would allow for more flexibility in the scheduling of physical education classes, a space for indoor recess on our inclement weather days. The additional space also allows for multiple sports and performing arts practices to be held simultaneously. The question is contingent upon Question One passing.  

The school board decided to go back to the voters with this plan after concluding that the needs of our school will only worsen without investment and that the improvements included in the plan are critically needed in order to ensure the school can continue providing students with a safe and healthy education that prepares them for success after graduation.

Early voting for the referendum will be available starting Friday, March 24. Early votes can be cast in person at the Henning School District office on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. You can also request an absentee ballot be mailed to you by filling out the application found at OurSchoolOurHornets.org/vote. Absentee ballots can be submitted hand or by mail to the district office.

If you choose to vote early by absentee ballot, your ballot must be postmarked and received by 8 p.m. on election day. 

Voting on election day (May 9) will be held at Henning City Hall, which is the combined polling place for all 12 voting precincts in the Hening School District. 

Further information about the new plan, the cost, and how to vote can be found on the updated project website, www.OurSchoolOurHornets.org. The project website is also linked directly to our school website. Our goal is to provide all voters with the facts they need to make an informed vote. I look forward to engaging further with our community about this important opportunity. 

Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or suggestions at msparks@henning.k12.mn.us or by phone at (218) 583-2927. I am available to visit with you in person any time as well; my door is always open.

Thank you,

Melissa Sparks

Superintendent

Henning Public School District