Minden Board Reviews Plan for New Elementary Building

Minden, August 20, 2025

News Summary

The Minden school board reviewed a proposal to build a new elementary wing attached to the middle school, prompted by an aging elementary facility and limited expansion options. BD Construction provided an early high-end cost estimate of $26.6 million, and a financial advisor outlined five financing approaches, including full bond funding, bond wraps, lease purchases, and interlocal agreements. The board approved routine business, policy updates, and steps to refine designs with teacher input. A public outreach plan was presented to keep communications neutral while volunteers could form an advocacy committee if the district pursues a bond vote.

Sunshine and clouds mixed. High 91F. Winds light and variable.

A clear sky. Low around 65F. Winds light and variable.

Updated: August 20, 2025 @ 6:43 am.

School board hears plan for new elementary school; early cost estimate $26.6 million

The school board received detailed presentations on a possible new elementary school during its August 11 meeting, with an early high-end estimate of $26.6 million provided by a construction firm. Board members heard design and financing options and were given a proposed schedule that could lead to a bond vote this fall if the board chooses to move forward.

Key facts up front

• The board approved the consent agenda quickly, including minutes from July 14 and July 29, financial reports, and expenditures and claims.
• An architect presented a revised plan that attaches a new elementary building to the middle school and reduces the overall footprint from a 2023 proposal.
• A construction firm offered a high-end early cost estimate of $26.6 million, noting that a more detailed design will refine that figure.
• A financial adviser presented five possible ways to pay for the project, ranging from full bonds to lease purchases and interlocal arrangements.

Design: why a new building is being considered

The district’s architect explained that the current elementary building is aging, has limited classroom space, and does not function well for modern learning needs. There is little room to expand the existing site without removing the playground and some parking. The proposed approach is to attach a new elementary wing to the C.L. Jones Middle School to create better flow and shared spaces.

The design shown to the board is a revised version of a 2023 plan. The courtyard area from the earlier plan has been reduced, and the layout of art, music, and gym spaces was adjusted. Overall the new design is smaller than the 2023 proposal but includes features meant to ease congestion at the elementary entrance and drop-off on 5th Street. The revised plan also allows room for future classroom expansion if needed. Further specific design changes will be made as teachers weigh in on classroom amenities.

Cost and schedule

A construction firm described the $26.6 million number as a high-end estimate based on the details available at the time. The firm advised that a more detailed plan and additional estimates will give a clearer cost picture. If the board elects to pursue a November bond election, consultants suggested a committee kickoff on August 18 and a formal announcement of intent the following month.

Public information and campaign process

Several steps were outlined to inform the public if a bond goes to voters. Plans include creating a project website, mailing brochures to residents, holding town hall meetings, and sharing information through news media and existing school communications. All official school communications must remain neutral, while volunteers may use pro-bond messaging outside official channels. The construction firm will coordinate the volunteer committee and subcommittees and lead much of the outreach effort. Board members expressed a preference that the committee focus mostly on sharing information rather than actively persuading voters and that the communication effort avoid constant messaging that could overwhelm residents.

Financing options presented

A financial adviser presented five financing options:

1. Full-project bond — Bond for the full amount. This option offers the lowest true interest cost by spreading repayment over many years and may allow refinancing later. The plan would lower the levy for the special building fund until current bonds are paid off, resulting in a net zero levy tax increase to residents under the presentation.
2. Full-project bond with a wrap — Interest-only payments on new bonds until old bonds are retired. This keeps the bond levy neutral but results in more total interest than option 1. It may leave the special building fund at a higher level than option 1.
3. Lease purchase combined with a bond — A seven-year lease purchase at current valuation could yield about $12 million, letting the district bond roughly half the project cost. This plan could deliver tax credits tied to special building fund use and was estimated to have about a 4.92¢ impact on the levy.
4. Lease plus wrap — Similar to option 3 but with a wrap to defer some principal and avoid a sharp immediate levy spike. This option is less efficient in total cost.
5. Long-term lease purchase with an interlocal — Uses special building funds and tax credits rather than bond funds. Counsel suggested this could be the most efficient and affordable path and could provide the lowest true interest cost if the bond issue is approved.

Other board actions and next steps

After the presentations, the board approved amendments to a list of policy numbers and adopted several other policies. The board also approved a resolution to raise the district’s base growth percentage by up to an additional 6 percent or the maximum allowed under state law. Authorization was given for year-end bill payments and for a 2024-25 audit agreement. The board approved staff training plans for 2025-26. The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 8 at 7:00 pm in the high school media center.

---

FAQ

Key features at a glance

Feature	Details
Early cost estimate	$26.6 million (high-end, preliminary)
Design approach	New elementary wing attached to middle school; smaller footprint than 2023 plan; reduced courtyard; adjusted art/music/gym
Space benefits	More classroom space, room for future expansion, less congestion at 5th Street drop-off
Financing options	Five options: full bond, bond with wrap, lease + bond, lease + wrap, long-term lease with interlocal
Public outreach	Website, mailed brochures, town halls, news and school communication; official messages neutral
Next board meeting	Monday, September 8 at 7:00 pm in the high school media center

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

Additional Resources

• The Minden Courier: Minden Board Reviews Plan for New Elementary Building
• Wikipedia: School Bond
• KTBS: Former Claiborne Educator Accused of Inappropriate Behavior
• Google Search: Claiborne educator accused student
• Kearney Hub: Local Education News
• Google Scholar: school construction financing
• Nevada Appeal: Minden Elementary Kicks Off Program
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Elementary education
• KSLA: Former Homer Educator Arrested; Alleged Molestation
• Google News: educator arrested molestation child