Hawley Community Supports Building of New Middle School; Does Not Approve Second Referendum Question

Hawley, MN (November 9, 2022) - Hawley Public Schools will see big changes in the next couple of years, with the construction of a new 5-8 grade middle school building, however the community did not approve the second question on the ballot. 

The unofficial results are:
Question 1: new middle school building for grades 5-8. The existing high school will be converted to serve grades 9-12. The existing elementary will be converted to serve grades PreK-4.
 
1,022–Yes
1,014–No

Question 2: Physical education and athletic improvements to the existing gyms and Dale
Skallerud Athletic Complex.

895–Yes
1,133–No

“The bond referendum question approved by a majority of voters in the Nov. 8 election will make a big difference in the learning environment for our students,” noted Hawley Public Schools Superintendent Phil Jensen. Jensen also recognized the closeness of the results and that the second question did not pass. “We want the community to know we will be good stewards in overseeing the construction of the new school, and regardless of your vote, we thank all voters who made their voices heard.”

What These Results Mean
In addition to the middle school, which is designed to meet Minnesota Department of Education guidelines for square footage allocations, the bond referendum approval will address deferred maintenance needs at the elementary and high school buildings.

Because the second referendum question was not approved, improvements to the existing gyms and Dale Skallerud Athletic Complex will not occur at this time. “We are disappointed,” Jensen notes, "and we will now begin a process to work with community members to reassess our physical education and athletic facility needs and determine a new plan of action.”

Common Ground: Children’s Future
Hawley School Board Chair, Cody Marshall believes that now that the election is over, a new chapter in the future of Hawley students can begin. “While we appreciate not everyone voted yes on these questions, we believe there is common ground in supporting the needs of our children, and we will build on that common ground to ensure that we all move forward together.”

Next steps:
Winter-Spring 2023: Engage staff, parents and other stakeholders in the design process 
Summer 2023: Bid process
Fall 2023: Construction begins
September 2025: Move-In/Occupancy

The community will be informed at every step of the process with regular updates from the school district. 

For More Information
Visit www.gohawley.org for more information about Hawley Schools and to get school improvement updates.