RAVENNA, Neb. — Voters in the Ravenna school district are overwhelmingly supporting the district’s efforts to make building improvements.

442 people voted in favor of a $5.5 million bond compared to 176 against. That means roughly 72% of the 618 voters supported the bond issue.

The building changes focus on safety, inclusion and modernizing learning spaces. The targeted areas include the career, agriculture, and technical education classrooms in addition to a new weight room and improved special education facilities. The proposal also includes the construction of a central, more secure entrance for students which will greatly limit the travel between buildings during the school day.

Ravenna Superintendent Ken Schroeder says about 150 students travel back and forth several times a day between the main building and detached classrooms.

The district’s levy rate is expected to drop from 71 cents to around 68.8 cents due to the removal of funds from certain accounts used for building improvements.

Construction is set to begin in September with an expected completion date of December 2026.