Hawley School Goes Forward $53M Middle School Referendum with $3M New Gym Option

Hawley, MN — The Hawley School Board this week officially gave the green light to move forward with a building bond referendum during this fall’s general election. At a special meeting on Monday night, the board opted to move forward with a $53 million referendum. Included in that $53 million would be the construction of a new middle school as well as some renovations to both the high school and elementary. There will also be a second question on the ballot where district residents can cast their vote on a $3 million competition gym as well. Hawley Superintendent Phil Jensen says the board went the direction of the middle school option because it offered the best bang for their buck.

With the November election being only three months away, Superintendent Jensen says the district has a lot of work to do, and part of that is getting the word out to the community.

According to demographic studies, the enrollment at the Hawley School District has increased by more than 10% in the last 10 years and is expected to increase as much as 25% over the next 10 years.