BP OKs $34 million school referendum

The voters of Blooming Prairie have given the green light to a $34 million referendum that will help reduce crowding in a growing district. Both questions on the ballot passed. Question 1, which passed 606-383, provides $27.6 million for additions and improvements to the elementary and junior/senior school buildings. It includes new classrooms, new baseball and softball fields, work on parking lots, industrial tech upgrades, roof repair and a performing arts center. Question 2 asked for $6.4 million for the “acquisition and betterment of school sites,” including a new high school gym. The second one also passed, on a vote of 571-391. That shakes out to be about 61% of voters approving Question 1; 69% of those approving the second question. The results aren’t official until they are canvassed by the school board, which will meet Nov. 10.