The Rush City School Board held a regular meeting on Thursday, Aug. 20. The meeting consisted of community celebrations, strong financial news, and updates on the planning for the 2026-27 school year.
Celebrating Community Impact with Community and School Recognition
Dr. Horton, Rush City Schools Superintendent, presented the Community and School Recognition Award to long-time resident Margaret Mold. Known for her lifelong dedication to Rush City, Mold was recognized for her volunteer work with "Fare for All," a program partnered with the district to bring affordable, nutritious food to local families. The recognition highlighted the impact of students volunteering alongside dedicated community members like Mold, illustrating that learning extends beyond the classroom and into the heart of our community in meaningful ways.
Major Bond Savings and Financial News
The meeting brought good news for district taxpayers regarding the funding of essential health, safety, and indoor air quality projects at the elementary school.
- High Demand: Competitive bidding brought in seven national financial institutions vying to purchase the district’s facility maintenance bonds.
- Lower Interest Rates: Due to the district's strong AAA credit rating (under the Minnesota State Credit Enhancement Program) and stable A+ underlying rating, the final interest rate landed at 3.24%—significantly lower than the estimated 3.64%.
- $100,000+ Extra for Facility Projects: Thanks to the favorable market response and high bid premiums, the district secured over $100,000 in additional funds for construction—all achieved without increasing the projected tax burden on residents.
Looking Ahead to the New School Year
With the 2026-27 school year quickly approaching, the district is fully staffed and ready to welcome students back. Key updates across the district include:
- Elementary Outdoor Classroom: Construction is complete on a new shade-covered outdoor learning structure surrounded by newly planted trees, funded in part by the Rush City Education Foundation and Tree Trust grant.
- High School Upgrades: The main office security renovations are entering their final phase, and the high school gym floor has been completely refinished just in time for fall athletics.
- New Career Tech Leadership: The high school welcomed Dave Kaiser as the new Career and Technical Education teacher, bringing 20 years of real-world industry experience to the classroom.
Upcoming Board Meetings
The next School Board Work Session is scheduled for Sept. 10 at 6 p.m. in the High School Media Center, followed by the next regular meeting on Sept. 24 at 6 p.m.