GIBBON — By a 4-1 vote at a special board meeting Monday, the Gibbon Fairfax Winthrop (GFW) School Board approved an April 11, 2023 ballot question for a new $69.9 million Pre-K-12 school in Gibbon.

Action came on a motion by board chairman Mike Kuehn of Gibbon, seconded by Jason Haas of Gibbon. Fairfax board member Dan Merkel cast a dissenting vote. Winthrop board member Drew Schmidt was not present.

Other actions approved by a 4-1 vote with Merkel dissenting, included issuing up to $14,900,000 in general obligation school building bonds for acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities; and a Nov. 7, 2023 ballot question to revoke the school district’s existing referendum revenue authorization of $1,406.30 per pupil and replacing it with a new $996.30 per pupil authorization, subject to an annual increase at the rate of inflation.

The proposed referendum revenue authorization of up to $55 million in general obligation bonds would be levied in 2024 for taxes payable 2025 and applicable for 10 years.

Superintendent Jeff Horton said the new Pre-K-12 school could be open in 2025 if the ballot questions are approved next year.

Board chairman Mike Kuehn talked about the challenges the school board faces.

“I’m sure this will generate some discussions in the community. We look forward to getting people engaged and getting the correct, factual information out to them so they can make an informed decision on the future of GFW facilities,” said Kuehn.

Fairfax board member Dan Merkel asked about demolition costs and whether the City of Gibbon would be able to handle utilities needed for a new school.

“Maybe we don’t have to demo the schools. There is also a housing shortage,” said Supt. Dr. Jeff Horton. “The City of Gibbon administrator said Gibbon can handle the utilities needed.”

Merkel earlier said he wondered if the board should not “rush” into bond referendums and let the new board members decide on it.

“I’d like to address being rushed,” said board member Kuehn. “We’ve talked about this for nine or 10 years. We’ve kicked the can down the road. It’s time to address this. We need to keep the students and staff safe.”

It was mentioned at the meeting that the basement flooding in the Winthrop Middle/High School was so substantial, a boat could float in it.

“We’ve gone through a lot the past two years,” said Gibbon board member Casey Prochniak. “We’re out of SOD (statutory operating debt) and our fund balance is strong. The communities have been feuding for years. We’ve heard skewed information on enrollment, costs and consolidation. Supt. Horton presented accurate numbers. Some people are angry and confused. I don’t blame them due to false statements.”

She said board member Merkel violated school board policy but putting out inaccurate information on enrollment.

“I just questioned it,” Merkel said. “I know the enrollment numbers now. I got my numbers from the Minnesota Dept. of Education. I apologize for any incorrect numbers.”

Fairfax board member Marisa Lee said it isn’t easy being on the school board.

“It’s lonely up here. People are not nice to you,” Lee said. “Two years ago, I voted no on a building. I’m going to vote for one centrally located school in Gibbon.”

“We got along a lot better 32 years ago than we do now,” said Gibbon board member Jason Haas. “The longer we wait, the more the project will cost.”

(Fritz Busch can be emailed at fbusch@

nujournal.com).