Hayfield Community Schools was recently named the designee for $9.694 million in Qualified Zone Academy Bonds (QZAB) that will be used for maintenance and facility needs.

The bonds come from the National Education Foundation.

In 2017, Hayfield Community Schools was the only district in Minnesota to be awarded the two-year allocation and only one of 11 in the nation, according to Superintendent of Schools Belinda Selfors.

The interest rate on these bonds is 0 percent and with the current market rates, the district expects to save the taxpayers approximately $4 million in interest over the life of the bond.

Since the 2015-2016 school year, the district has been studying and assessing the status of its current facilities, in particular, indoor air quality, acoustics, and lighting and the impact these factors have on student achievement and staff performance. Members of the staff and community have been involved in providing input and feedback regarding the perceived priorities that need to be addressed.

“We are grateful to have received these funds, which will enable us to begin addressing our maintenance and facility needs,” stated Superintendent Belinda Selfors. “Ultimately, the goal of the School Board is to ensure that we are providing a safe and healthy environment in which our students and staff are able to do their best work.”