Election turnout is usually low in the Rugby School District.

A $6 million zero-interest general obligation bond issue on the ballot this year likely will change that.

Yes, school officials are expecting voter numbers to be up from previous years due to the question posed before district residents to finance extensive repairs and construct a new addition at the Jr.-Sr. High.

At least 60 percent, or a supermajority, is required for the bond issue to pass. The Tuesday, June 8 election will be conducted in the commons area adjacent to the Charles Hanneman Gymnasium at Rugby Jr.-Sr. High. Polls are open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The Rugby School Board has spent over a year in studying proposed renovation in the school as well as soliciting input from community members. Eventually, an architect was hired by the board to complete designs for the proposed project and call for the issuance of zero-interest bonds to finance the project.

Interestingly enough, the last time a bond issue was approved by district voters was in 1955, and that is the wing of the high school which today is in dire need of repairs.

Several classrooms in that wing are slated to be remodeled and new heating and cooling systems are to be installed. Part of the project focuses on removing asbestos tile in hallways, classrooms and the cafeteria as well as remodeling the vocational agriculture; music departments and auditorium.

New construction would be to the west of the existing gym commons. It would create space for a cafeteria and administrative offices and reception area. That would, in essence, establish the north side as the main entrance to the campus.

Just one board seat up for election

The election also features one school board term expiring. Just one board seat up for election

The election also features one school board term expiring. Chuck Volk is seeking a second three-year term representing Precinct No. 1, a rural district. While the candidate must live in the precinct, it’s an at-large vote.