Why did the district pursue a referendum?
Our building exteriors, building infrastructure and security need significant investments to meet today’s education and building standards. While the district has done a great job managing our buildings and addressing issues as they emerge, there are needs that cannot be met with current maintenance budgets, which include:
Lack of dedicated secured entrances.
Outdated heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
50-year-old restrooms at the high school that are inaccessible for students, staff and visitors with physical limitations.
The high school roof is nearing the end of its recommended lifespan.
The crowded drop-off and pick-up loop at Century is creating traffic problems and safety risks for students and parents.
Aging playground equipment for elementary and early childhood students.
Tennis courts at Century that have deteriorated beyond use.
An old and undersized bus garage is located in an area that is hazardous for bus drivers when crossing Highway 34.
Based on a demographic study completed in 2019, the district has seen a 6% increase in enrollment over the previous 10 years and is projected to see a 10% increase over the next 10 years.
Our high school building fails to meet state standards for educational adequacy in almost half of the categories put forth by the Minnesota Department of Education.
90% of the high school’s core classrooms are too small, providing limited space and flexibility for our growing number of secondary students.
Spaces for career and technical education (CTE) have reached full capacity, and all student workstations are 50 years old and can no longer support a modern curriculum.
The high school auditorium hasn’t been renovated since the 1970s and currently has an old and inefficient lighting and sound system along with inadequate seating.
The media center is outdated and requires renovations such as breakout space for small group and collaborative learning.
The high school has no space for the Alternative Learning Center (ALC), which was moved to Frank White. Without direct access to the high school’s CTE programs, ALC students have fewer opportunities for hands-on learning.
The building’s aging roof and ventilation systems need to be replaced, and the estimated budget for these repairs exceeds $3 million. The district has determined that the costs to renovate the Frank White building far exceed the benefits for students, staff and taxpayers.