Blue Earth Passes Referendum for New Elementary School

BLUE EARTH — Voters in the Blue Earth Area School District have approved a $63.3 million bond referendum to replace the district’s aging elementary school. The referendum passed Tuesday with more than 55 percent voter approval. The project will replace the district’s 98-year-old kindergarten through seventh-grade building with a new kindergarten through sixth-grade school, while seventh graders will move to the high school. Voters also approved a second $10 million question for a new gym and multipurpose room, along with HVAC renovations at the high school.Superintendent Mandy Fletcher says she is grateful for the community’s support and engagement throughout the referendum process. The next step is expected to be 10 to 12 months of research and design, with groundbreaking planned for the summer of 2027. The property tax increase is scheduled to take effect in May of 2027.