BROOKINGS, S.D.(KJJQ)- The Brookings School Board approves a resolution for the issuance of up to $25 million in capital outlay certificates to help pay for construction of the new Hillcrest and Medary Elementary Schools.

This is on top of the 32-million dollar bond issue approved by voters last June. The original cost estimate for the two schools had been $42 million. The total maximum cost is now $65-million. The jump is due to an increase in square footage and inflation.

Such use of capital outlay certificates does not require voter approval.

Board member Wes Tschetter (CHET-UR) says they’ve discussed this extensively in their finance committee meetings and plan to issue the certificates later this year.

He says they may not use the full 25-million.

They can do this without further tax increases and Tschetter says it makes sense financially.

The Board approved the resolution unanimously.