LP-A voters say yes to $23 million school building project

LPA High School.jpg — Lake Park-Audubon Public Schools. (File photo)

By Vicki Gerdes and Vicki Gerdes

November 03, 2021 at 10:51 AM

The elementary and high school facilities in Lake Park-Audubon Independent School District 2889 will be getting a $23 million upgrade, after school district voters said yes to two bond referendum questions that were on the ballot in Tuesday's special election.

"We’re grateful to our community for their support of our district," said LP-A Superintendent Tim Godfrey. "With more space, improved areas to learn, and spaces that support Career and Technical Education, this is a big step forward for Lake Park-Audubon.”

tim Godrey (edited).jpg — Lake Park-Audubon Superintendent Tim Godfrey. (Vicki Gerdes/Tribune)

With residents saying "yes" to both ballot questions, the district is now authorized to invest $21.63 million in elementary school improvements and $1.33 million in upgrades for the high school.

Question one passed by an unofficial margin of 546 yes votes to 316 no, and question two passed by an unofficial margin of 539 yes votes to 341 no.

Elementary project.jpg — This architect's rendering shows the layout of the proposed $21.63 million plan for improvements to the Lake Park-Audubon Elementary School in Audubon. More details are available at lpapavetheway.com. (Photo courtesy of ICS)

This investment in district facilities will provide more space, improve learning areas, and address building maintenance needs at the elementary school in Audubon, and also provide spaces to support Career and Technical Education (CTE) at the secondary school in Lake Park.

High school project.jpg — This architect's rendering shows the layout of the proposed $1.33 million improvement project at Lake Park-Audubon High School in Lake Park. More details are available at lpapavetheway.com. (Photo courtesy of ICS)

The district spent the last two years considering all options and developing a comprehensive plan to bring forward for voter approval.

"Thank you to those involved in our long-range facilities planning process," said School Board Chairwoman Becky Mitchell. "We’re thankful for these results.”

Construction on the two building projects is expected to begin in fall 2022 and be completed by fall 2024. The design phase of the project will begin soon, led by architecture firm JLG Architects and project management firm ICS.

The district will include staff, students, community members, and administration to provide feedback and input during this process, said Godfrey in a press release issued late on Tuesday, Nov. 2.

Visit the district’s website, lakeparkaudubon.com , for more information about how to get involved in the coming months. Questions can also be directed to Superintendent Tim Godfrey at tgodfrey@lpa.k12.mn.us or 218-325-0754.