The Process
Learn about how the district reached this point
As a district, we are continuously planning for the future. This plan is the result of more than a year of collaborative, data-informed work. As our district began reviewing our facilities, we received additional feedback from our wrestling parents about how we can improve their spaces. As discussions progressed, additional educational and physical facility challenges became clear.
Our district engaged ICS, a PreK-12 facilities planning and construction firm, to conduct a comprehensive facility planning process, which included:
Facility Condition Assessment: A comprehensive building assessment was completed that identified physical infrastructure needs, including roofing, heating, mechanical systems, parking, and water filtration.
Demographic and Enrollment Study: Using a third-party, a demographics study was completed and we are projected to see steady enrollment over the next decade.
Educational Adequacy Assessment: This assessment evaluated every space in our schools compared to the Minnesota Department of Education’s (MDE) recommended guidelines.
Space and Capacity Analysis: This analysis was completed and found that, although our learning spaces are used efficiently, our physical education and extracurricular spaces are overcapacity, especially during winter months.
Various Community Engagement Activities: The district conducted a third-party phone survey with Morris Leatherman in 2025 that gathered feedback from 400 residents across the community. In addition, a stakeholder committee was formed to represent a broad range of community perspectives, including individuals of various ages, professions, and land ownership backgrounds. Throughout the planning process, the district also provided regular updates and opportunities for input from families, staff, and students.
In reviewing facility options, we also considered alternatives to a building bond referendum to lower the financial impact on our residents, such as repurposing existing spaces. After a thorough review, we ultimately determined that those options could not adequately meet our needs. Community feedback, especially around the importance of physical activity spaces and enhanced Career and Technical Education (CTE) programming, helped further inform and refine the final plan.
On Monday, May 19, the school board reviewed the third-party survey results, approved the final scope, and approved submitting a Review and Comment to the MDE, the formal documentation required for building bond referendums. On Monday, June 23, our school board unanimously approved a resolution to present voters with a single-question building bond referendum on Tuesday, November 4.