Hawley Superintendent Dives Deeper Into Referendum Question on Ballot

Hawley, MN — In less than two weeks, voters in the Hawley School District will go to the polls to ask them two very important questions: Would they support a new $53 million middle school to meet their growing enrollment needs and if so, would they also support $3 million in renovations to their gym and athletic complex? Hawley Superintendent Phil Jensen spoke more in-depth with R & J News recently about the two referendum questions.

 As for Question 1, which if approved would allow the Hawley School District to move forward with constructing a new middle school and make safety and security, educational space, and infrastructure improvements to the elementary and high school as well. The school board did look at other options as well, including a new high school or new elementary school, but Superintendent Jensen says choosing to move to a middle school concept provided the best value to meet their growing enrollment needs.

Question 2, which requires the passing of question 1, proposes improvements to the existing gyms and Dale Skallerud athletic complex, including turf field, new bleachers, training facilities, and more, according to Jensen.

Jensen notes that there has been skepticism about the need for artificial turf at their athletic complex, but he says it would allow the facility to see much more use other than just football.

For more information about the Hawley School District referendum, you can visit www.gohawley.org for complete plan details and tax impact information.