T-R PHOTO BY ROBERT MAHARRY — As part of a $13.5 million bond issue headed for the ballot in November, the East Marshall Middle School building in Gilman, pictured, would eventually be closed with expansions built onto the elementary in Laurel and the high school in Le Grand.

GILMAN — A $13.5 million bond issue will appear on the November ballot for voters in the East Marshall school district after the board of education approved the petition and resolution during Monday night’s meeting, and Superintendent Tony Ryan confirmed later in the week that the paperwork has been delivered to the Marshall County Courthouse.

If passed, the bond issue would allow for construction at the current elementary school in Laurel to add space for fifth and sixth grade students as well as the high school in Le Grand for seventh and eighth grade students while paving the way for the closure of the middle school in Gilman, which is the oldest of the district’s three buildings.

An informational meeting will be held at the high school in Le Grand on Wednesday, Aug. 28 beginning at 5:30 p.m. District leaders will share information about facility needs and the proposed solution on the November ballot.

“We encourage all of our residents to take part in these critical conversations and learn more about the facility needs in our schools and the proposal on the ballot this fall,” Ryan said. “When it comes to planning for the future of education in our communities, we want to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to make their voice heard.”

The bond referendum requires approval from at least 60% of voters to pass. Along with the aforementioned expansions of the buildings in Laurel and Le Grand, the bond would include improvements to safety and security systems and upgrades to heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. A new elementary gymnasium would be built, allowing the existing space to be used as a dedicated cafeteria and practice gymnasium.

A press release issued by The Donovan Group indicated that the middle school presents “many facility challenges, including code deficiencies and costly maintenance expenses.”

“The school closure would not occur before 2026. While East Marshall CSD has no plans to repurpose the school, the baseball field at Gilman would continue to be used by the district and community,” the release reads.

District residents are encouraged to share this information with those who may have interest. Additional public forums will be hosted Sept. 18 and Oct. 2, with the locations and start times to be announced at a later date.

According to the release, the district will continue to provide information about the bond referendum and proposed projects in the weeks and months leading up to election day. Questions can be directed to the District Office by calling 641-498-7481.