SLEEPY EYE – It wasn’t the result Sleepy Eye Public School Superintendent John Cselovszki had hoped for, but he had plenty to say about a city/school building project interest survey Monday.

The survey by School Perceptions showed mixed reaction at a special board meeting.

The project includes a $25.4 million multi-purpose facility, $3.9 million for six middle school classrooms, and a $9.6 million auditorium. All three projects cost $38 million.

A survey mailed to all district residents and available online this fall was answered by 31% of residents. 58% of 843 respondents who didn’t work at the school or were not parents of school students said they would not favor any type of bond referendum project. Forty-nine percent of all residents surveyed said they wouldn’t support a bond project.

Three-fourths of parents surveyed and 84% of non-school staff and those without children in school said the project was too costly. Fifty-four percent of non-parents and non-school staffers said they would not use the facility.

“It looks like there is not enough support to put this on a ballot,” said School Perceptions Project Manager Daren Sievers.

“This is not a surprise to be honest. It’s disappointing. It just about makes me cry. People are out to protect their pocketbooks,” said Cselovszki.

Sievers said a number of communities his company has worked with responded to negative survey results by reducing some project costs. It was enough to convince residents to support some bond referendums.

Board member Brian Nelson suggested comparing property taxes per acre in the Sleepy Eye school district with nearby towns about the same size.

“We need more housing, industry and business. Is this the best way to do that?” said Nelson.

Sievers said the survey is a simulated vote.

“Have some meetings and reconsider it. There may be a better time to do it. Don’t just stick a fork in it,” he said.

Sievers said construction costs are rising quickly and higher costs can eat up project features.

“Sometimes, you can change things and sell it better. At least you know now,” he said.

Board member Casey Coulson said he wants the board to stick with the project.

Sievers said he was impressed with Sleepy Eye’s 31% survey response rate, higher than most surveys his company has done.

According to the survey, 41% of the respondents were over age 65 and 70% of them lived in Sleepy Eye.

The multi-purpose facility included a 200 meter track, pickle ball, tennis, basketball and volleyball courts, batting cages, a locker room for football players and recreation center users and a weight room for student-athletes. It could serve as a community storm shelter.

The auditorium would include 475 seats, a stage construction workshop and could be used for summer community arts programs.