Editor’s note: The following information was provided by Henning School regarding voting for the November 8 election.

As part of its ongoing commitment to provide helpful information about the school bond referendum, the Henning Public School District is answering common questions from residents about the investment proposal that appears on the Nov. 8 ballot. 

The district has put forward two ballot questions to support its investment plan. Question One requests $21.7 million for improvements to indoor air quality, security, classroom education, cafeteria/commons space and infrastructure. Question Two requests $4.6 million for another gym, additional new roofing and more updates to restrooms. Question Two is contingent on Question One, meaning it cannot pass unless Question One also passes. 

“As we continue to share information about the referendum, we’ve gotten good questions and feedback from residents,” Superintendent Melissa Sparks said. “We want to make sure everyone feels ready to make an informed choice on this plan. It’s an important decision for our community.”

How will this plan benefit students and enhance their learning?

The plan seeks to make our school building safer, healthier, and better equipped to meet the needs of today’s students. Renovations would focus on indoor air quality, security, expanded hands-on learning, improved career and technical education, a student commons area that doubles as our cafeteria, critical infrastructure, and improved spaces for physical education and the arts.  

Why is the district 

pursuing this investment when inflation is high?

The serious needs of our school building are not going away, and it’s likely that construction costs will continue to rise if we wait. If voters approve a single investment project, it will allow our district to lock in interest rates before they rise further and avoid additional costs for startup, oversight, and design of multiple projects in the future. Also, more students will benefit from  these investments the sooner we can make them. 

How does the State of Minnesota’s Ag2School tax credit lower the cost for farmers? 

The Ag2School tax credit offers a 70 percent tax credit paid directly by the state for all agricultural property except the house, garage, and one acre surrounding the agricultural homestead.  The Ag2School tax credit includes pasture and tillable land, homestead and non-homestead, rural vacant, and managed forest. All taxpayers are encouraged to use the tax calculator at OurSchoolOurHornets.org to determine their specific tax impact. 

How does this plan 

benefit our residents who don’t have students in school?

Quality local schools are essential for a thriving community. Schools that provide support for modern curriculum and a dynamic learning environment help attract new families and support local businesses in need of skilled workers.  

If the referendum is approved, what happens next?

If voters approve the referendum in November 2022, the district would enter the design phase. Led by an architect, the design phase would continue through the summer of 2023 and involve input from staff and the community. Construction would begin in late 2023 or early 2024, with estimated completion in the fall of 2025.  

Early voting is open through Nov. 7, and Election Day is Nov. 8. Visit OurSchoolOurHornets.org to learn more about the investment plan to improve Henning School, the cost and tax impact, and voting information. Additionally, questions can be directed to Superintendent Melissa Sparks at msparks@henning.k12.mn.us or (218) 583-2927.