LP-A community reacts to passed building referendum

The 21-million dollar plan passed after voters turned down 5-previous referendums. 60-percent of voters went in favor of the building plan. School leaders say the fact L-P-A qualified for federal stimulus money that will cover the bond interest on a big chunk of the cost is one reason taxpayers favored the plan.

“And it was an instantaneous eruption, similar to what making a last second shot in a basketball game to win it is like. People jumped up, they were screaming and hugging, and they were crying. It was emotional. It was absolutely great.”

The parents who once again worked to push a "yes" vote will tell you their victory will translate into a win for the students in Lake Park-Audubon. And no one is happier than the head cook of 22-years and the freshman who will be the first graduating class to move into the new school.

Many of the 9th graders at LP-A stayed up past bedtime just to hear the vote total and news that the referendum had passed.

“It really brought the community together and it will really help us out a lot.”

Many of them crowded around a blueprint on an easel today that was in the hallway of a tired old school building, all of them looking at what is to come, a new high school opening in 2012. This year's freshmen class will be the first group to graduate in it.

“Some people go to Ulen or Hawley because it has better schools. I hope it attracts more students better for the community.”

And no one is happier than the longtime cooks. They have put up with sewer backup failed electrical and plumbing.

“Four more years before I retire, so I hope I can be in there one year.”

After years of hard feelings and bitterness among those in the two towns, many hope the victory will finally be the catalyst in keeping school doors open and focusing on a new generation of L-P-A-ers. The remodeling of the elementary school in Audubon could begin later this summer.

Tags: your city, k-12 education, lake park, kevin wallevand, referendum, audubon, minnesota