School officials hope to use the money for renovation and construction purposes at both the elementary in Barnum and junior high/high school building in Manson in response to the increased enrollment.

According to the MNW homepage, there were 329 students enrolled in Manson, grades seven to 12 as of Sept. 18, 2017; in Barnum 476 preschool to sixth-grade students were enrolled in the same timeframe.

Polls are open today from noon to 8 p.m. at the Manson Fire Station and the Barnum Fire Station, said Webster County Auditor Doreen Pliner.

Voters from Webster County must use the polling place in Barnum.

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Manson Northwest Webster would add onto the northeast corner of the high school building, if voters pass the $8.8 million bond issue today.

Those who live in Calhoun County must use the polling place in Manson.

The identified needs at the junior high/high school building include additional classrooms, increased industrial technology space, and improvements to the music and fine arts facilities, Superintendent Justin Daggett said.

If the bond is passed, the school hopes to build a new addition at the northeast corner of the high school building, where the circle drive is now. This will be near the band room and the library.

Improvements in the elementary building at Barnum would include a new floor for the small gymnasium, new bleachers for the big gymnasium, and additional playground equipment.

According to a 2016-2017 Annual Progress Report, 321 students in grades seven to 12 were enrolled at MNW in the 2016-2017 school year. There were 51 seniors, 43 of which planned to pursue some kind of education or training after their high school graduation, an 84 percent rate.

MNW’s graduation rate is 96 percent, according to the same report, or 49 of 51 students.