[For more information on all the proposed renovations, visit: https://www.randolphbuildstomorrow.org/]

RANDOLPH, Neb. -- Randolph Public Schools is urgently pushing a bond to renovate the Ag Building.

There are concerns about 'dark dust' in the building, where some students attend classes daily. 

“I want the students to feel comfortable coming over here,” Flaming said.

The schools are seeking community support to address critical needs for the schools and facilities. 

The HVAC system needs to be replaced. While students are using the machinery, those particles are being released through the air. 

“It would be nice to be able to get that out of our lungs,” Flaming said.

For reference, Flaming recalls a time during the pandemic when the students were wearing masks. 

“The outside of the mask was essentially brown or black and and we actually could see some of the particulate that had penetrated all the way through the mask and was on the inside,” Flaming said. 

“The importance with it is for safety and security of our students, and so with the current ag building, to make sure that we have proper ventilation,” Schrunk said. 

Flaming cited another safety concern. 

“In the event of a tornado, we have to leave this building and walk outdoors, to go across the street to get into the basement,” Flaming said. “So that would be nice to be able to stay indoors.”

According to Board Vice President Jim Scott, the projected tax rate increase sits around 10.5 cents per $100 of valuation. 

“Our goal from the beginning was to be transparent with the public,” Schrunk said. “It was very important for us to make sure we were getting information out so the patrons can make informed decisions.”

If you go online, you can find a tax calculator to see how you will be specifically impacted. 

“Getting under 10 million would be something that our patrons could look at as a project, that it would be worthwhile supporting, that it would meet our needs for the future,” Schrunk said.

The School Administration will hold two additional meetings before a majority vote in November. There the public can ask more questions and understand all corners of the project. 

They will also be proposing renovations for a new lunch room, upgrades to the gymnasium, electrical systems, fire sprinklers and more.