River Falls School District voters approved a referendum for school improvement projects in the amount of $48 million in 2018.

The projects have all been complete. The referendum covered “hundreds of projects,” said Superintendent Jamie Benson in a thank you video the district put together.

It included classrooms, flexible learning areas, athletic field and track upgrades and not so noticeable things such as roofs, flooring, plumbing and HVAC equipment.

“Those are important improvements that were made,” said Benson. “We think we listened to the community values as to what their expectations were. We took their marching orders.”

Flexible learning areas are evident throughout the district schools for students to work in small groups, large groups or individually.

“As educational instructional changes have occurred over time, we needed to provide better spaces to accommodate today’s learners,” said Benson.

“The school board continues to be grateful for the community's support for education which included funds for the referendum projects. As stewards of the referendum dollars, we are pleased to report that the projects are completed and that through careful planning, budgeting and monitoring, the referendum dollars were put to good use. The updated buildings and learning spaces will serve students and the community for years to come,” said Stacy Johnson Myers, School Board President.

'As we began planning for the referendum construction project, we made conscious efforts and decisions to invite and provide all the information necessary to River Falls area contractors so they were able to develop and submit competitive bids. Asaresult,wewere abletoselectmanyRiverFalls area contractors who provided not only the most competitive bids and excellent workmanship but also economy.' said Director of Finance and Facilities Chad Smurawa.

“The completion of our referendum projects sheds true light on the value our community places on the educational opportunities of our young people. Their investment created new learning spaces, improved outdated facilities, upgraded our tech-infrastructure, advanced our safety systems, and improved the overall educational opportunities for our students. We have fulfilled every promise on time and on budget in a way that appropriately reflects the values of this community. On behalf of our students and staff, we say thank you to our community support and investment in our children's future,” said Benson.