THE NEED
Annual maintenance dollars aren’t enough to cover the cost to repair systems that are beyond their useful lives.
Our school buildings have reached a critical point where essential systems are failing regularly. These deteriorating conditions are forcing compromises that directly impact our students' educational experience. The renovations and additions proposed in the referendum will address three vital priorities:
Supporting our Students with proper learning environments
Upgrading failing Systems throughout our facilities
Ensuring comprehensive Safety measures across both campuses
These improvements are essential to provide the quality education our community's children deserve.
The challenges our facilities face are below.
STUDENTS
Career and Tech Ed (“Shop”), agriculture, and business classrooms are outdated
Interior finishes are worn
Locker rooms lack capacity
Gyms do not meet demand
SYSTEMS
Outdated, inefficient heating and ventilation (HVAC)
Plumbing, mechanical, and electrical systems exceed their service life
Leaky roofs require constant repairs
Deteriorated parking lots
Inefficient lighting
SAFETY
School entrances cannot be properly monitored
High school bathrooms, elevator, locker rooms, and gym are not ADA accessible
Vehicle traffic flow at elementary creates safety concerns
Areas of the schools lack security cameras
The History of Our School Buildings
School district leaders and community members have historically supported improving the schools to ensure a quality education for all learners and the vitality of the community that Madelia Public School District serves.
The school district budgets for long-term facilities maintenance projects annually, but the age of the schools, systems, and equipment generates needs that far exceed state funding.
Madelia Elementary
Year: 1950, 1966, 2003
Square Footage: 88,165
Facility Use: Elementary K-6
Madelia High School
Year: 1957, 1970
Square Footage: 121,000
Facility Use: Secondary Grades 7-12
Did You Know?
Funding for teaching and learning is currently diverted to facilities and equipment repair due to the age and poor condition of our schools? The proposed referendum will ensure funds remain in the classroom for students, teachers and staff.
Read more about the specific facility deficiencies for the Madelia elementary and junior/senior high schools in the Review and Comment submittal to the Minnesota Department of Education.
“The greatest needs for deferred maintenance are aging roofs, HVAC, and windows. Inside the building the flooring is beyond useful life and the needs continue with the lighting, ceiling tiles, flooring, and paint.”
Minnesota Department of Education, Review and Comment, 2025
Boiler controls at end of their useful life.
Roofs past expected lifecycle in both buildings.
High School Parking Lot has reached the end of its useful life, with deteriorating pavement and poor drainage, and needs replacement.
Roof leaks coming through ceiling tiles.