On November 2, 2021, Park Rapids Area residents approved a bond referendum that authorizes the school district to invest $51.65 million in renovations to Park Rapids High School and Century School.

Residents can determine the estimated tax impact on their own home or business by using the tax calculator.

The school board identified other revenue sources available to address some of our district’s infrastructure needs. By using district funds and one-time federal relief dollars, the district reduced the overall cost for taxpayers by $4.57 million in the proposal:

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The district will use $1.7 million in Long-Term Facilities Maintenance (LTFM) bonds to:

  • Replace the oldest portions of the roof at the high school

  • Replace the building’s 50-year-old exterior wall

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Park Rapids Area Schools is eligible for up to $1.7 million in ESSER (Elementary and Secondary School Relief) federal aid to help manage COVID-related expenses. The district will use this one-time funding to:

  • Upgrade HVAC systems at the high school to improve air quality and ventilation

  • Rebuild the tennis courts at Century

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The district will also utilize $1 million in Capital Facility bonds to: 

  • Replace the boiler and chiller plants at Century to improve heating, cooling, energy efficiency and temperature control.

 
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Minnesota’s Ag2School tax credit lowers the cost of the referendum for agricultural landowners.

The Ag2School tax credit is a 60% tax credit provided to all agricultural property except the house, garage and one acre surrounding the agricultural homestead. By law, the tax credit is scheduled to increase to 70% by 2023. 

This is not a tax deduction – it’s an automatic dollar-for-dollar credit paid directly by the state. No application is required.